A completely knocked-out permanent tooth is a true dental emergency.
The likelihood of successfully saving the tooth is strongly influenced by how quickly it is treated.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, contact our office immediately.
Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the white portion normally visible in the mouth. Avoid touching or scraping the root.
If the tooth is dirty, it may be gently rinsed without scrubbing.
When possible and appropriate, a permanent tooth can be gently repositioned into its socket. If that is not possible, it should be kept moist during transportation.
Suitable storage options include an appropriate tooth-preservation solution or milk.
Do not store the tooth dry.
A knocked-out primary or baby tooth should generally not be replanted, because doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath it.
At John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C., we evaluate the tooth, socket, surrounding tissues, and adjacent teeth. If reimplantation is possible, the tooth may be repositioned and stabilized.
Additional treatment and follow-up are usually necessary because both the tooth and supporting tissues have experienced significant trauma.
The critical point is simple: seek dental treatment immediately.