Knocked-Out Tooth

It’s common for a tooth to be knocked out because of accidents, fights, sports injuries, or rough play.

A sharp blow to a tooth often can be enough to dislodge it or shear it off. Failure to take immediate action can result in permanent loss of the tooth.

If an adult tooth is knocked out, there is a high chance that it will survive if it is reimplanted to its socket.

Every minute is critical when a tooth is out of its socket; its survival chance is decreased as the clock ticks. Do not place a knocked-out temporary tooth back in its socket.

It will affect the growth of the developing permanent tooth underneath the gum.

What To Do

Review the following tooth-saving steps that take you and your tooth from the time it comes out until you reach medical support:

Pick the tooth by the crown NOT the root

Secure the tooth immediately. Hold the tooth carefully when you pick it up, and never touch the root of the tooth, only the crown.

Gently rinse the tooth with water

Use water to gently rinse off any dirt. Do not use any soap or chemicals. Don’t scrub or let the tooth dry out, and don’t wrap the tooth in a tissue or cloth.

If possible, reimplant the tooth in the socket immediately

If a permanent tooth is lost, attempt to quickly put the tooth back into its socket.

Gently push the tooth in with your fingers, by handling the crown, or position it above the socket and close your mouth slowly.

Maintain the tooth in place with your fingers or by gently biting down on it.

Keep the tooth moist at all times

The tooth must stay wet at all times, either in your mouth or another container.

If it can’t be reimplanted in the socket, put it in milk, or tuck it in your mouth next to your cheek. Don’t use regular tap water.

See your Cardiff dentist within 30 minutes of the injury

Bring the tooth to your emergency appointment. It’s best to go to your Cardiff dentist within 30 minutes of the emergency.

However, it is possible to save a tooth even if it has been outside the mouth for an hour or more.

Broken Tooth

If your tooth is broken or fractured, see your Cardiff dentist immediately.

If not, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth.

For the meantime, try the following first aid measures:

• If the tooth is painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
• If the break has caused sharp edges, cover it with a piece of paraffin wax or sugarless chewing gum to keep it from cutting your mouth.
• Eat soft foods and avoid biting on the broken tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth in Cardiff

Your doctors at Cardiff Dental can help keep any dental issue under control.

We will educate you about the proper management of knocked out teeth and oral hygiene, and schedule regular dental visits to monitor your condition.

Same Day Emergency Appointment Available!

If you have any questions about dental emergencies, we will be happy to answer them and recommend the best solution to your problem.

Knocked-Out Tooth in Cardiff

For a knocked-out tooth, contact us on (02) 4954 6888 as soon as possible.

We are located at 30 Veronica Street in Cardiff.