A knocked-out tooth (also known as avulsed tooth) is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. The quicker you act, the higher the chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth. Whether the tooth was lost due to trauma, an accident, or sports injury, the first few minutes after the tooth has been knocked out are critical.
Knowing how to properly transport a knocked-out tooth can make a significant difference in whether or not the tooth is able to be successfully reimplanted. In this blog, well walk you through the steps you need to take to increase the likelihood of saving your tooth and getting it back in place.
Why Timing Matters
When a tooth is knocked out, the cells of the tooth’s root begin to die within minutes as the tooth is deprived of the blood supply. The longer the tooth remains outside of its socket, the less likely it is that it can be successfully reimplanted. Ideally, the tooth should be reimplanted within 30 minutes to an hour, though there have been cases where teeth have been successfully reimplanted even after longer periods, depending on the care and the medium the tooth is stored in.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transport a Knocked-Out Tooth
1. Handle the Tooth by the Crown (Not the Root)
When picking up the knocked-out tooth, it’s important to handle it carefully to avoid causing damage to the root. The root contains tissue that is essential for reattachment, and any damage to it will decrease the chances of successful reimplantation.
Do not touch the root: Pick the tooth up by the crown (the part that you bite with), being careful not to touch the root.
Avoid scrubbing or cleaning: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water to remove any dirt, but avoid scrubbing it or using soap, as this can damage the delicate tissues on the root.
2. Keep the Tooth Moist
One of the most important factors in saving a knocked-out tooth is keeping it moist. A dry tooth is much less likely to survive reimplantation. Here are the best options for storing the tooth while you get to a dentist:
Place the tooth back in its socket (if possible): If you can do so safely, try placing the tooth back into its socket immediately. Make sure its facing the right direction and gently bite down on a clean piece of cloth or gauze to hold it in place. If the tooth is in the socket, theres a better chance of preserving the cells on the root and facilitating reimplantation.
Store the tooth in milk: If reimplantation isnt possible, place the tooth in a container with cold milk. Milk is the best option because it helps keep the root cells alive and minimizes damage to the tooth. Avoid using water, as it can damage the root cells.
Use saline solution: If milk isnt available, a saline solution (salt water) can also be used to keep the tooth moist. You can either purchase a saline solution from the pharmacy or make one at home by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water.
Use your saliva: If you dont have access to milk or saline, and youre unable to reinsert the tooth into its socket, the next best option is to place the tooth between your cheek and gum. Your saliva will help keep the tooth moist. Be careful not to swallow the tooth.
3. Keep the Tooth Cool, Not Freezing
Its important to keep the tooth cool, but not frozen. The ideal temperature is cool, but freezing temperatures can cause damage to the cells and tissues of the tooth.
Place the tooth in a cool environment: If possible, transport the tooth in a cool container, but avoid putting it in direct contact with ice. If youre using milk or saline, keep it in a cool environment until you can see a dentist.
4. Get to a Dentist or Emergency Room Immediately
Time is of the essence. Contact your dentist immediately and explain that you have a knocked-out tooth. If you cannot reach your dentist or its outside office hours, go to an emergency room or seek out an emergency dentist who can treat dental injuries.
Act within 30 minutes to an hour: Ideally, the sooner you can get the tooth back into the socket or to a dentist, the better. After 1 hour, the chances of successful reimplantation decrease, although some dentists can still replant teeth that have been out for longer periods if theyve been stored properly.
5. If Reimplantation Isnt Possible
If the tooth cannot be reimplanted or the time frame for reimplantation has passed, your dentist will discuss options for replacement. Common options include:
Dental implants: If the tooth is lost permanently, a dental implant can be placed to replace the missing tooth. Implants are permanent and provide a natural appearance and function.
Dental bridge or partial dentures: These options are available for replacing missing teeth if a dental implant is not feasible.
What Not to Do When Transporting a Knocked-Out Tooth
While its essential to act quickly, there are several things you should avoid when dealing with a knocked-out tooth:
Do not scrub the tooth: Scrubbing the tooth or using soap or chemicals can damage the root tissue and reduce the chances of successful reimplantation.
Do not store the tooth in water: Water can damage the root cells and dry out the tooth, making it less likely to be reimplanted successfully.
Do not touch the root: The root contains the vital tissue that helps the tooth reattach. Handling the root can damage this tissue, making reimplantation more difficult.
When Should You Seek Immediate Professional Care?
A knocked-out tooth is an emergency, and you should seek immediate professional care in the following situations:
The tooth is knocked out entirely and youre unable to reinsert it.
You experience severe pain or swelling after the injury, indicating infection or damage to other areas.
You notice a visible fracture or crack in the tooth that requires immediate repair or a root canal.
You experience significant bleeding from the mouth or gums that doesn’t stop after applying pressure.
Conclusion
If you have a knocked-out tooth, quick action is essential to maximize the chances of saving the tooth. The most important things to remember are to keep the tooth moist, store it properly, and seek professional care immediately. The faster you get to your dentist or emergency dental clinic, the better the chances of reimplantation and successful recovery.