What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Last updated 8 months ago

If you knock out a tooth, it can seem frightening or distressing. Don’t panic; accidents happen. Simply follow these instructions and call your dentist immediately. There is a very good chance that, by taking the right actions, you can save your tooth and have it re-inserted by your dentist.

Administer First Aid
First, address any first aid concerns you may need. Stop any bleeding from your mouth or head; if your gums are bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a damp piece of gauze until the bleeding stops. If you are experiencing swelling, apply a cold compress or tuck a small piece of ice between your gums and cheek. If you will not be able to drive yourself to the dentist, find someone who can—you don’t want to risk further injury to yourself and others by driving when you should not.

Care For The Tooth
Find the tooth right away. If it is broken, try to find all the pieces. Avoid touching the root of the tooth, and rinse it with milk or water to remove any dirt or debris. Never scrub or wipe off the tooth, as this can cause damage to the ligaments that hold it in your mouth and could prevent it from being successfully re-inserted by your dentist. If you can, place it back into the socket and press gently - but don’t force the tooth in. If you can’t get the tooth back into your gums, tuck it into your cheek or place it in a glass of cold milk to bring with you to the dentist. Call your dentist’s office immediately and notify him of the situation and the need for an emergency visit.

Cascade Dental of Vancouver offers emergency dental treatment for all types of accidents, so you can get the dental care you need when you need it for a healthy, happy smile. Our friendly, knowledgable staff is here to provide help whenever you need it. Find out more about our three Vancouver locations online or call (360) 213-1999 for more information today.