Losing a tooth due to an accident or trauma can be a distressing experience, but its important to remember that in many cases, a knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) can be saved if the right steps are taken immediately. The key to preserving the tooth is proper handling and storage until you can get to a dentist.
At McLevin Dental, we understand how urgent and overwhelming a dental emergency can be, especially when it involves a knocked-out tooth. This blog will guide you on how to properly store a knocked-out tooth before replantation, increasing the chances of saving the tooth and restoring your smile.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Time is crucial when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth. The longer the tooth is outside the mouth, the less likely it is to be successfully replanted. Ideally, you should aim to see a dentist within 30 minutes to one hour of the incident. However, if you follow the right steps and store the tooth properly, there is still a good chance that the tooth can be reimplanted and preserved.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Is Knocked Out
When a tooth is knocked out, every second counts. Heres what you should do immediately:
Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
First, check if the person is in pain, bleeding, or having trouble breathing. If there is any difficulty breathing or other major injuries, get medical help immediately. Once youve ensured there are no other urgent issues, focus on the tooth.
Handle the Tooth by the Crown (Chewing Surface)
Do not touch the root of the tooth, as this can damage the delicate cells that are necessary for successful replantation. Hold the tooth by the crown, the part that you chew with, to avoid contaminating or injuring the root.
Rinse the Tooth Gently
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it under cool (not cold) water. Do not scrub it or use soap, as this can harm the root cells. Do not dry the tooth either. If you have access to saline solution, you can use it to rinse the tooth gently.
Keep the Tooth Moist
A knocked-out tooth must be kept moist to preserve the root cells. There are several ways to store the tooth temporarily:
How to Store a Knocked-Out Tooth Before Replantation
1. Milk The Best Option
The best and most effective way to store a knocked-out tooth is by placing it in milk. Milk contains essential nutrients and proteins that help preserve the root cells.
How to store: Place the tooth in a container of cold milk immediately after cleaning it.
Why milk works: The protein and calcium in milk keep the root cells alive for longer periods compared to other storage methods.
2. Saliva (If Milk Is Not Available)
If milk is not available, saliva is the next best option. Place the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum, where it can stay moist. This will help protect the tooth, though its less ideal than milk.
How to store: If possible, the person who lost the tooth can place the tooth in their own mouth. Alternatively, you can store it in a container with saliva.
Why saliva works: It helps keep the tooth hydrated and prevents it from drying out.
3. Tooth Preservation Kit (Store-Bought)
In some cases, you might have access to a specially designed tooth preservation kit, often sold at pharmacies. These kits typically contain a storage solution that helps maintain the tooths vitality for a longer period.
How to store: Simply follow the instructions on the tooth preservation kit for proper storage and transportation.
Why it works: These kits are designed to keep the tooth in an optimal solution to help preserve it until you can see a dentist.
4. Avoid Using Water Alone
While rinsing the tooth under water briefly is fine, you should never store a knocked-out tooth in water for an extended period. Water can cause the root cells to swell and rupture, making the tooth less likely to survive replantation.
Why water is harmful: Storing a tooth in water for more than a few minutes can damage the root, and the tooth may not be able to reattach successfully.
5. Keep the Tooth at Room Temperature
Avoid freezing the tooth, as freezing can cause irreparable damage to the root cells. Also, do not leave the tooth exposed to air for long periods. The tooth should remain moist and kept at a stable, room temperature.
Why room temperature works: Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can harm the roots tissue and decrease the chances of successful replantation.
Getting to the Dentist
Once the tooth is properly stored, its important to seek dental care as quickly as possible. Call McLevin Dental or your emergency dentist immediately. Replantation of a tooth is most successful when done within the first hour after avulsion. However, if the tooth has been out for longer, there may still be a chance for it to be successfully replanted, though the success rate decreases.
What to Expect When You Arrive at the Dentist
Upon arrival at McLevin Dental, our team will:
Evaluate the tooth and the injury.
We will check the condition of the tooth and any other damage to the surrounding gums, bone, or tissues.
Clean the tooth and replant it if possible.
If the tooth is still viable, we will attempt to replant it into the socket and stabilize it using a splint.
Prescribe medication if needed.
We may recommend antibiotics if there is a risk of infection and pain management options.
Monitor healing.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the tooth is properly reattached.
When Replantation Is Not Possible
In some cases, if the tooth cannot be saved or the time elapsed is too long, your dentist may recommend other treatment options such as:
Dental implants: For long-term tooth replacement.
Bridges or dentures: To fill the gap created by a missing tooth.
Final Thoughts
A knocked-out tooth can be alarming, but acting quickly and storing the tooth properly can dramatically increase the chances of successful replantation. Remember to stay calm, store the tooth in milk or saliva, and get to a dentist as soon as possible. At McLevin Dental, were here to provide emergency dental care and help restore your smile.