Can You Put a Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Yourself?

Every year, an estimated 5 million people knock out at least one of their teeth. Whether you lost the tooth while playing contact sports, as the result of a fall, or for some other reason, a knocked-out pearly white is always a cause for alarm. You may be wondering: can I put a knocked-out tooth back into its socket on my own? Read on to learn what to do if this happens to you, whether you can replace it by yourself, and if an emergency dentist can save it.

What to Do If You Have a Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, the first thing you need to do is contact your dentist. Explain what happened to them so they can give you information on what to do next. Once you're done speaking with them and have scheduled an appointment to come in and have them examine the damage, try locating the tooth.

If you're able to find it, pick the tooth up by the crown, which is the top part of it. Touching the roots may damage the sensitive cells on them. You should also avoid exposing the tooth roots to disinfectants, water, or soaps since these things may burst the cells and make it harder for your dentist to reattach it.

How to Store the Tooth

Until you're able to see your emergency dentist, it's important to keep the knocked-out tooth moist. If you can, carefully position it above its socket. Use your fingers to gently press the tooth into place. Then, gently bite down on a piece of clean gauze. This will help hold the tooth in place. Even so, it's still important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Another way you can store a knocked-out tooth is between your gums and cheek. Saliva is the best liquid to store it in, but the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) says a clean container full of milk or an emergency tooth preservation kit will also suffice.

Is It Possible to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth?

The sooner you visit your dentist after a tooth is knocked out, the better chance they'll have of being able to save it. Getting to their office within 30 minutes of losing the tooth increases your chances of successful reattachment.

If possible, your dentist will place the tooth in the socket and use a splint to attach it to neighboring teeth to keep it in place and help the healing process. However, if they can't reattach the tooth or you couldn't find it, work with your dentist to decide how you want to replace method it to avoid additional oral health problems.

If you ever experience a knocked-out tooth, the above information will help you handle the situation. Visiting your dentist as soon as possible will give you a better chance of saving the tooth and mending your smile!

Patients from Burbank, Pasadena, and Eagle Rock rely on Dr. Ivan Chan at Glendale Dental Wellness for emergency dental care. If a tooth cannot be saved, dental implants provide a durable, natural-looking replacement.