What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

 An unexpected injury can lead to a knocked-out tooth in an instant. Whether it happens during a soccer game or a fall, knowing what to do immediately means the difference between saving your tooth and needing a replacement. If you act quickly, there's a high chance we can successfully replant the tooth in your jaw.

Dr. Diana Boado and her team at Hollister Smiles Dental, prioritize emergency cases. Enroute to our Hollister, CA office, here’s what you need to do.

Immediate steps to take at home

First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the top part you see in your mouth. Don’t touch the root. Touching the root can damage the sensitive cells needed for the tooth to reattach to the bone.

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Don't use soap or chemicals, and don't scrub it. Try to place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place by biting down gently on a piece of gauze. Keeping the tooth in its original spot is the best way to keep it alive. If you do this in the first 30 minutes, there’s a 90% chance your tooth can be successfully replanted. Side note: Baby teeth should never be replanted.

How to transport the tooth safely

If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, keep it moist. Don't let the tooth dry out. Your tooth has the best chance of survival if it's placed back in the socket within 30 minutes. If that's not an option, place the tooth in a small container of milk. If milk isn't available, you can use a tooth preservation kit found at many pharmacies. Don't use plain tap water for long periods, as the cells on the root can't survive in it for very long.

What to expect at our office

When you arrive at our Hollister office, we'll immediately examine the area and the tooth. We'll likely use a splint to join the knocked-out tooth to the healthy teeth next to it. This splint helps keep the tooth stable so the bone and gums can heal around it. We'll monitor the tooth over the next few weeks to ensure it reattaches properly. 

When you experience a knocked-out tooth, call Dr. Boado at Hollister Smiles Dental immediately at 831-636-5391. For non-emergency appointments, you can also use the online booking tool.