First Aid Tips for a Knocked-Out Tooth before Seeing an Emergency Dentist

A knocked out tooth can be a terrible experience, but being aware of how you should act immediately can help handle the situation effectively and enhances the chances of saving the tooth. This blog looks at some quick fixes you should keep in mind when a tooth gets knocked out, before you reach an emergency dentist. This transforms your panicking moment into a proactive approach. 

Initial Response: Understanding What Just Happened

Once a tooth is knocked out, the first few seconds are extremely crucial. Although the shock is highly disorienting, try to stay as calm as possible. First check if the tooth is partially attached to the socket, or completely dislodged. If it is a case of complete avulsion, meaning the tooth has been knocked out completely, try finding out the tooth immediately.

Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth with Gentle Care

After you locate the tooth, pick it up at once. But make sure to hold it by the chewing surface – the crown, and not by the root. The root surface has some delicate ligaments which are crucial for reattachment, and touching the dental root can damage these ligaments. If the tooth is dirty, you should gently rinse it in saline solution or milk. But do not use tap water unless it is necessary as this can damage the root cells. Avoid using any harsh cleaning agents or scrubbing the tooth.

Creating the Best Environment to Preserve the Tooth

The ultimate goal is to keep your knocked out tooth alive and moist till you reach a dentist. Some most preferred methods for preserving a knocked out tooth include — as advised by the Emergency Dentist London Practice:

·       Replantation, if possible: If you remain calm and confident and the tooth is clean, having the permanent tooth back in its socket can be the best thing. Consider pushing the tooth gently back into its original place, ensuring it is facing the correct direction. Next bite down on a gauze or clean cloth to hold the tooth in its place. This is the perfect scenario that poses the highest chances of success. However, note that this method can be done only for permanent teeth, not for baby teeth.

·       Milk: If replantation does not seem to be a feasible option, milk can be an excellent medium for storage. The osmotic pressure and pH level of milk are similar to those of the cells in the dental root, maintaining their viability. So it is best to place the tooth in a small container of milk.

·       Saline solution: A balanced saline solution can be another great option for preserving your knocked out tooth.

·       Save a tooth kit: Such kits are often available in pharmacies, and contain a special solution which can preserve avulsed tooth. It is highly recommended, if available.

·       Buccal Vestibule (Your Mouth): If none of the above options are available, placing the tooth back in your mouth is the last option. Place it between your gums and cheek. But be very careful and do not swallow it. It is a less preferred method due to the presence of bacteria, but a better alternative than allowing the tooth to simply dry out. This is a suitable method for older children and adults as they are well aware of the risks of swallowing.  

But do not store the tooth in water. Tap water can cause the cells in the root surface to swell and burst, lowering the chances of successful reattachment.

Bleeding and Pain Management

Besides preserving the tooth, addressing the pain and bleeding is equally important.

·       Controlling Bleeding

Bite down gently on a tea bag or clean gauze over the empty socket. The tannic acid present in tea bags can constrict your blood vessels and reduce bleeding. But do not rinse your mouth vigorously as this can dislodge any blood clot formation.

·       Alleviating Pain

Certain pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) available over the counter can help alleviate the discomfort. However, do not take aspirin as it thins your blood and worsens bleeding further. Applying a cold compress near the injured area outside your mouth can help manage this pain and swelling.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common errors or pitfalls which you should avoid:

·       Don’t panic: Although it will be quite challenging, try to stay calm to make well-informed decisions.

·       Don’t scrub the tooth: Scrubbing the tooth damage vital cells in the dental root.

·       Don’t touch the root: Make sure to hold the crown and not the root while handling the tooth.

·       Don’t wrap the tooth in a cloth or tissue: Wrapping it will cause the tooth to lose moisture and dry out.

·       Don’t store it in plain water: Plain water can damage the root cells in the tooth.

·       Don’t delay in getting professional help: Time is a critical aspect in dental emergencies as it largely affects the success of reattachment.

The Importance of Emergency Dental Care

A knocked out tooth is a serious dental emergency which requires prompt addressing. The quicker you see an emergency dentist, the higher are your chances of getting successful reimplantation of the knocked out tooth. You should ideally reach the dentist’s clinic within 30 minutes to an hour from the injury. Beyond this time, the chances of successful tooth reattachment begin to decrease.

Once you get a knocked out tooth, inform your emergency dentist immediately so that he/she can prepare until you arrive and deliver you timely treatment. Make sure to carry someone along or be ready yourself to provide all the necessary details about when, where and how your injury took place. In short, it is necessary to have an emergency dentist in place as dental emergencies come without an alarm.

By following the instructions listed above, you can significantly improve your chances of saving a knocked out tooth, and act proactively until you reach the emergency dentist. In cases of such dental emergencies, book an appointment at Emergency Dentists in London. We are ready to help at any hour of the day!