What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

A knocked-out tooth is a real emergency, and the clock matters. The sooner you can get that tooth back in place, the better your odds of keeping it. Here's exactly what to do in the moments after it happens.

How do you save a knocked-out tooth?

Stay calm and work quickly. Every step below is about protecting the delicate cells on the root so a dentist can reattach the tooth.

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown — the white, chewing part. Never touch the root.
• Rinse it gently with milk or clean water if it's dirty. Don't scrub it, don't use soap, and don't dry it off.
• Try to put it back in the socket. Line it up the right way and press gently, then bite down on a clean cloth to hold it.
• If it won't go back in, keep it moist. Tuck it inside your cheek or drop it in a cup of milk. Plain water isn't ideal for long, and never store it dry.
• Call your dentist right away. Aim to be seen within about an hour.

What if the tooth is broken, not knocked out?

A cracked or chipped tooth still deserves quick attention, even if it doesn't hurt yet. Save any broken pieces in milk if you can. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to ease swelling. Avoid chewing on that side until you've been checked.

Sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek. A small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax pressed over the rough spot can protect your mouth until you're seen.

What helps with pain and bleeding?

Bleeding is common with any dental injury. Bite down on clean gauze or a damp tea bag for 10 to 15 minutes to slow it. For pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever you'd normally take is fine, but skip placing aspirin directly on the gums — it can burn the tissue.

Swelling responds well to cold. Hold an ice pack or cold cloth against your face, not directly on the tooth.

When should you go straight to the dentist?

Call for Emergency Services any time a tooth is knocked out, loosened, badly broken, or pushed out of position. Bleeding that won't stop, severe pain, or a jaw injury also mean you shouldn't wait. Even if you manage to reseat the tooth yourself, you still need a professional to check and stabilize it.

Baby teeth are handled differently — don't try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, but still call so the dentist can look at the area. Our team at Klamer Family Dentistry in Kearney offers Children's Dentistry and can guide you through what to do for a child's injury.

When you call (816) 628-4997, describe what happened and how you're storing the tooth. That helps us get you in and give the right advice on the way.