Knocked-out Tooth/ Avulsed Tooth

It is one of the common types of Dental Injuries. A lot of people don’t know that the knocked-out tooth can be re-implanted. So, they don’t take any necessary step.

Sometimes, the avulsed tooth is lost. But, they don’t try to find, even if it’s near them. Re-implantation of the tooth as soon as possible is the best way. So, you have to act quickly. Preserve the tooth and go to a dentist immediately with it.

What is the First Aid for an Avulsed Tooth?

Primary tooth: A primary tooth that has been avulsed is usually not re-implanted. The risk of injury to the developing permanent tooth bud is high. So, do not try to re-insert it yourself. Go to a dentist.
Permanent tooth: After avulsion, do the following step by step-

Do not touch the root of the tooth; handle it by the crown only.
Rinse the tooth off only if there is dirt covering it.
Do not scrub or scrape the tooth.
Preserve tooth in normal saline, milk, buccal mucosa/ between your cheek and gum to prevent drying. Milk is the ideal.
Control bleeding with sterile gauze or cloth.
To re-implant tooth, go to a dentist immediately (within 6-8 hours after avulsion). If late, there’s less chance of re-implantation.

If you can’t go to a doctor immediately, do the following-

Rinse mouth with warm water.
Reinsert permanent teeth into the correct sockets with gentle pressure and hold it in position. Don't try to force it.

The dentist will do these:

Attempt to re-implant the tooth into the socket with gentle pressure and hold it in position.
Tetanus prophylaxis should be considered if the dental socket is contaminated with debris.

If re-implantation is not possible, you don’t need to worry. Your missing tooth can be restored by the dental implant which is so natural in appearance.