Knocked-Out Tooth: The 30-Minute Rule That Can Save It

 

A knocked-out permanent tooth — called an avulsed tooth — is a true dental emergency, but it's one where quick, correct action can lead to saving the tooth. The key is getting the tooth back into its socket, or into the right storage, and reaching a dentist within about 30 to 60 minutes.

What to do right away

• Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root
• If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline — don't scrub it or use soap
• Try to gently push it back into the socket, holding it by the crown
• If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk, saline, or inside your cheek

Do not wrap the tooth in a dry tissue, and don't let the root dry out. The cells on the root surface die quickly when dried, which dramatically lowers the chance of successful reimplantation.

What the dentist will do

The dentist will reposition the tooth and splint it to neighboring teeth to hold it stable while it heals. A root canal is usually needed in the following weeks, because the blood supply to the tooth is severed. For baby teeth, reimplantation is generally not recommended, since it can damage the developing adult tooth underneath.

Time is the biggest factor in success. Teeth reimplanted within 30 minutes have the best prognosis; after a couple of hours, the odds drop sharply. Keep the tooth moist and get to a dentist — or an emergency room if none is available — as fast as you can.

Location:

Share :