KNOCKED OUT TEETH

March 27, 2018

Knocked out teeth

Do you know what to do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?

If you follow these steps there is an excellent chance that the tooth will survive:

  • Stay calm and act quickly
  • Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown – the part of tooth that is visible in the mouth.
  • If the root has dirt or debris, gently rinse the tooth in milk, saline or saliva of the tooth’s owner for a few seconds only – do not use water or scrub.
  • Hold the clean tooth by the crown and if possible place the tooth back into the socket using light pressure.
  • Keep the tooth in place by getting the person to bite gently on to a handkerchief.
  • Seek immediate advice or emergency treatment from your dentist.

If it is not possible to place the tooth in the patient’s mouth:

  • Do not let the tooth become dry. Place the tooth in milk or the patient’s saliva.
  • Seal it in glad wrap to hold the moisture in the tooth.
  • Seek emergency dental treatment as soon as you can.

If a baby tooth is knocked out DO NOT try to put it back in the socket as it may fuse to the bone, which will lead to difficulties when it is time for the baby tooth to be lost.

It can also cause damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Seek professional advice as soon as possible to assess for any long term effects on the permanent teeth.

The best safe guard for your teeth if playing sport is to have a professionally fitted mouthguard to wear for training and games.

Until the end of April we are offering ½ price mouthguards for $100. Call us on 95316387 to organise yours to be made before the sports season heats up!