SHARES
Rahim was playing basketball with his friends when he got hit by the ball and suffered from a facial injury. He was struggling in pain and much to his dismay, he realised one of his front teeth got knocked out.
Situation like this does not happen often but it may happen to you or anyone close to you due to an injury or accident. A knocked-out tooth does not necessarily mean that it is lost for good. With prompt emergency actions, the tooth can be replanted successfully and last for years. Below are some dos and don’ts when dealing with an emergency with a knocked-out tooth:
What to do
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Act as quick as possible
The shorter the time the tooth is being exposed outside, the better the prognosis of the tooth. For the best outcome, you should see the dentist within 60 minutes of the incident.
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Handle the tooth by its crown
Inspect the tooth first to determine if it is fractured or any portion appears to be missing. Briefly rinse the tooth (not more than 10 seconds) if there is any dirt or foreign material on the tooth.
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Reposition the tooth in the socket immediately if possible
Reinsert the tooth in its socket gently in the correct position. Wear medical gloves if available. Then, press on the tooth with the thumb until the crown is level with the adjacent tooth. Next, bite down on a gauze or cloth to make sure the knocked-out tooth is stable until a dentist is able to examine the tooth.
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Keep the tooth moist
If the knocked-out tooth cannot be reinserted, it is important to keep it moist to preserve the tooth. You can either place it between your cheek and gum, or in milk or your own saliva.
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What NOT to do
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Do not re-insert primary (baby) teeth
Never try to re-implant a baby tooth as this may damage the adult tooth that is growing underneath. In this case, visit the dentist immediately to get proper care.
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Do not handle the knocked-out tooth by its root
Never touch, rub or scrape the root surface of the tooth to remove debris. This can damage the root surface, making the tooth less likely to survive.
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Do not use soap or antiseptics while rinsing the tooth
Use only lukewarm water to rinse off any dirt. Also, avoid holding the tooth under running water for too long as too much tap water could kill the cells on the root surface, which are essential in reattachment of the tooth.
Conclusion
Apart from these tooth-saving tips, visit the dentist immediately to get proper dental care. The dentist will examine the tooth and take further steps to ensure the best possible outcome of the tooth. If in case you cannot find the knocked-out tooth, it is still important to see the dentist as soon as possible.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
