A dental emergency that can leave you panicked is a knocked-out tooth. You might be stressed about saving your smile, so you must act fast. It’s best to see your dentist within an hour of it happening, but you should keep the structure safe and moist in the meantime. Does this mean you should put your tooth back into its socket yourself? Here’s what you should know.
So, Can I Reinsert My Knocked-Out Tooth Myself?
In short, it is possible to put the knocked-out structure back in yourself, but you should make sure you do it right. These are the steps you should follow:
- Find your tooth and hold it by the crown.
- Rinse it off in a still bowl of milk, saline, or your saliva. Don’t use any chemicals, soap, or scrub it, as this can damage the cells on the root. You may use water, but keep the contact brief.
- Look for any damage and see whether it’s still intact without any harm.
- If it’s all good, then arrange the structure into the socket and bite on gauze or a clean cloth. Just don’t force it back in.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Reinsert My Tooth?
With that said, you may not be able to put your tooth back into place, whether because of a noticeable crack or discomfort. Instead, you should make sure you put it into a glass of milk or keep it between your cheek and gums; be sure not to swallow it. You can also use a tooth-preserving kit if you have one handy. Just ensure you don’t wrap the structure in a cloth or let it dry off.
Should I Visit My Dentist Still?
Even if you are able to put your tooth back into its socket, you need to visit the dentist right away. As was mentioned above, seeing them within an hour will give you the best shot at salvaging the structure. If it can be saved, then they will put a splint to hold it in place while the bone and gum tissue reattach to it. However, if not, then you may need to explore replacement options. Regardless, your provider is here to help you out!
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin earned her dental degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She is dedicated to helping the Wayne community with their dental emergencies by offering same-day urgent visits. Dr. Henkin will work to get you the relief you deserve with an effective solution. If you are currently experiencing the situation above, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling her office at 732-638-0600.