Knocked-Out Tooth Care in Albany, GA

What To Do in the First Minutes

1. Stay calm and check for other injuries first.
2. Pick up the tooth by the crown, which is the chewing part. Do not touch the root.
3. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or clean water. Do not scrub or use soap.
4. Try to place the tooth back into the socket if you can, in its normal position. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
5. If it will not go back in, keep the tooth moist in milk. Cool tap water is a second choice. Do not store it dry.
6. Call the dental office right away and go in as soon as possible.

Why Speed Helps

Cells on the root can be damaged when the tooth is out of the mouth. A tooth is more likely to be saved when it is put back in quickly, though this cannot be promised.

Baby Teeth Are Handled Differently

A knocked-out baby tooth is usually not placed back in, since it can hurt the adult tooth forming under the gum. Still call the dental office so the child can be checked.

When It Is a Medical Emergency

Call 911 or go to the emergency room for a head injury, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing or a broken jaw. Tooth care can follow once the person is stable.

What a Dental Visit May Include

The dentist checks the tooth, gum and bone. X-rays help see if other teeth are hurt. Care may include splinting the tooth to the ones beside it, follow-up visits and, in some cases, root canal treatment later. If the tooth cannot be saved, options for replacement are discussed as part of restorative dentistry.

Get Urgent Care Now

Call our office right away, or see urgent dental care for more on same-day visits.