What To Do If You Knock Out A Tooth

 

Every year accidents occur and teeth are knocked out. This information sheet explains what to do if this happens - how best to prepare the injury for treatment and how to reduce the likelihood of any long-term damage.

 

If a tooth is knocked out remain calm and act quickly. Follow the below steps 

 

• Find the tooth handle it be the crown only! Not the root and ensure it is clean. 

• If the root is dirty and the patient calm the can gently suck the tooth clean. Alternatively, rinse the tooth in milk or very briefly in water.

• immediately replant the tooth in the socket making sure the tooth is facing the right way around. Time is critical and immediate replacement is best, but should ideally not be delayed beyond 30 minutes.

• Hold the tooth in place. Aluminium foil can be used to help keep it in spot or gently bite on soft gauze or soft cloth.

• If you are unable to replant the tooth, keep it moist by putting it in a cup of mil, sealing it in plastic wrap or placing it in the patients mouth next to the cheek, if the patient is able to do so. 

• SEEK IMMEDIATE DENTAL TREATMENT - TIME IS CRITICAL

 

Points to remember

• Do not hold the tooth by the root

• Do not scrape or rub the root surface

• Do not let the tooth dry out

• Do not put the tooth in ice 

• Avoid rinsing or storing the tooth in water for more than one or two seconds

• Do not remove any tissue or gum fragments from the tooth