Yes, knocking out a tooth, also known as avulsion, is a dental emergency. If you have a tooth that’s been knocked out, please seek immediate dental care. When a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket, the chances of successfully re-implanting it decrease significantly the longer you wait.
What to Do
Acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth permanently. If this happens, try to retrieve the tooth and only handle it by the crown (the part visible in the mouth). It’s very important to avoid touching the root of the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing it.
If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down gauze or cloth. If reinserting the tooth is impossible, place it in a milk container or a saline solution to preserve it. Seek immediate dental care from your dentist or visit an emergency room near you.
Do You Need Emergency Dental Care in Centennial?
Dr. Michael Franquemont is a family-friendly dental office in Centennial that emphasizes prompt action in dental emergency situations. If you experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or other oral health concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us at (303) 795-0066.
We also have custom-made tooth replacement options available.