My child just knocked out a permanent tooth. What do I do?

Since adult teeth are permanent, we must act quickly if they're knocked out. Here's a quick guide on what to do first and what the dentist will do to restore your child's smile.

What To Do If An Adult Tooth Falls Out

Locate the missing tooth and hold it by the crown (the part visible in the mouth), not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub, or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

Inspect the tooth for fractures. If the tooth is intact, try to reinsert it back into the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean cloth.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk. If milk is not available, and the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Tooth Splint

Adult teeth that have been knocked out can be reattached, much like how a broken bone can repair itself once it’s set. The dentist will place the tooth back into the gums and a “splint” will be placed on top of it to hold it into place. Over the course of a few weeks, the tooth will become strongly rooted once more.

Please Give Us a Call!

We’re here to help you during your child’s dental emergency. Please give us a call, even if it’s after hours or the weekend. Time is of the essence when restoring a knocked out permanent tooth.