Five Reasons Why it’s Good to Save a Knocked-out Tooth

Authored By: Lesley Ranft

Reviewed By: Brian Quesnell, DDS

1. No tooth replacement material can match the beauty of a natural tooth.
2. Natural teeth help maintain and support facial bone structure.
3. Natural teeth foster natural chewing so that you can avoid jaw/bite irregularities.
4. A full set of natural teeth helps create a great smile.
5. Natural teeth help you to maintain normal mouth functioning.

Save That Tooth After Knock Out: The First 30 Minutes are Critical!

According to the American Association of Endodontics, more than five million teeth are knocked out every year. A knocked-out tooth can be saved if the proper emergency steps are taken immediately to preserve it:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown and do not touch the root. Touching the root greatly reduces the likelihood of a tooth successfully reattaching to the bone.
• If the tooth is not clean, carefully rinse it with water. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap or any chemicals, or use fabricated materials to clean it and do not dry it.
• Restore the tooth by trying to reinsert it into the socket immediately. Do not store it in a tissue or any other material. The tooth may be held in place by holding it with your fingers or gently biting down.
• If the tooth cannot be replaced in its socket, it must be kept moist until you reach your dentist. Place it in milk or water and a small amount of salt to preserve it until your dentist can take action.
• Understand that a tooth has the best chance for survival if it is preserved within the first few hours by a dentist.
• See a dentist as soon as possible after the tooth is knocked out. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
• You should also see your dentist if you suffer oral trauma, have a loose tooth or have a persistent toothache.

[Updated February 2008]

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