A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it, and knocking out a tooth is one of the most urgent situations you can face. At Devon Dental Centre, we understand how stressful it can be, and we’re here to guide you through exactly what to do. Acting quickly and correctly can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First and foremost, try to stay calm. A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, can often be saved if handled properly. Check for any other injuries, especially if the accident involved trauma to the face or head. If you have uncontrolled bleeding or suspect a serious injury, seek immediate medical attention before focusing on the tooth.
Step 2: Locate and Handle the Tooth Carefully
If you can find the tooth, handle it by the crown—the white, chewing surface—not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate tissue needed for successful reimplantation.
- Do not scrub the tooth or use soap, alcohol, or chemicals to clean it.
- If there’s visible dirt, gently rinse it with milk or clean water.
- Avoid drying the tooth or wrapping it in tissue or cloth, as this can damage root cells.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
One of the best things you can do to save a tooth is to place it back into its socket immediately:
- Gently position the tooth in the empty socket.
- Hold it in place using light finger pressure.
- Bite down softly on gauze or a clean cloth to keep it secure.
If reinsertion is not possible or too painful, keep the tooth moist instead. Place it in one of the following:
- A cup of milk (best option)
- Saliva (place it between your cheek and gum)
- A tooth preservation kit, if available
- Water (only if nothing else is available)
Keeping the tooth moist increases the chances of a successful reattachment.
Step 4: Contact Devon Dental Centre Immediately
Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes to maximize the chances of saving it. At Devon Dental Centre, our team is experienced in handling dental emergencies and can guide you step-by-step over the phone while you make your way to our clinic.
Step 5: Manage Pain and Bleeding
While on your way to the clinic:
- Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, but avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
Why Immediate Dental Care Matters?
When you knock out a tooth, the first 30 to 60 minutes are crucial. Acting fast increases the chances of reimplantation and helps prevent further complications, such as infection or misalignment.
At Devon Dental Centre, we specialize in urgent dental care and have successfully treated numerous cases of knocked-out teeth for patients in Devon and nearby communities.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
While accidents can happen anytime, there are a few steps you can take to protect your teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies.
- Maintain regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health.
By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies.
Why Choose Devon Dental Centre for Dental Emergencies?
At Devon Dental Centre, we’re committed to providing prompt, compassionate, and expert emergency dental care. Patients across Devon, Leduc, Edmonton, and surrounding areas trust us for:
- Same-day emergency appointments
- State-of-the-art equipment for fast, effective treatments
- Experienced dentists skilled in handling knocked-out teeth
- A caring and supportive environment to ease your stress
Your smile deserves the best possible care — and we’re here to deliver it.
Final Thoughts
Knocking out a tooth can be scary, but acting quickly and following the right steps can make all the difference. Handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist, and contact Devon Dental Centre immediately.
Our dental team will do everything possible to save your tooth and restore your smile. For more information feel free to reach us at [email protected] or (780) 987 1046, and let us create a personalized experience just for you.