Can I Reinsert a Knocked-Out Tooth Myself?

Sometimes life comes at you pretty fast, and accidents happen—and what’s worse is when these accidents involve your pearly whites! But if you ever experience a situation where one of your teeth is knocked out, what’s the best way of approaching it? Believe it or not, under certain circumstances, the tooth can potentially be replaced in its socket by your own hand; however, it’s still crucial for you to quickly see your emergency dentist! Keep reading to learn why.

What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?

When a tooth gets knocked out, regardless of how it happened, time is of the essence—the sooner you act, the higher the chances of successfully reinserting the tooth. Ideally, you should try to either get to the dentist’s office or replace the tooth to its socket within 30 to 60 minutes after the accident. After an hour, the chances of saving the tooth start to decrease significantly.

The best way to handle a knocked-out tooth is by its chewing surface, or crown, which is the top portion; you should never pick it up by the root. When the tooth has been collected, you’ll want to keep it moist by storing it in a plastic container or glass of milk. You can gently rinse it off, but do not scrub it.

You’ll want to call your dentist quickly and inform them of what happened; they’ll be able to squeeze you in for an emergency appointment, usually promptly. Don’t forget to bring the tooth with you!

Can I Attempt to Reinsert My Knocked-Out Tooth?

Although the window for dealing with knocked-out teeth is quite fleeting, there are actually some instances when it’s possible for a patient to reinsert their tooth into the socket for transit to the dentist’s office. Just note that this isn’t a permanent fix by any means; it just helps to ensure the tooth’s vitality upon arrival. The best way to do this is to carefully use your fingers to gently push the tooth back into its socket, but do not force it. You can hold it in place by carefully biting down on a clean piece of gauze or your finger.

It’s estimated that over five million adults and children alike suffer a knocked-out tooth each year, per the American Association of Endodontists—so if it happens to you, rest assured, you’ll be able to get the help you need from your trusted dentist.

About the Practice

Queen Creek Complete Dental has proudly served the dental needs of the Queen Creek, AZ community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Reza Jafari. Dr. Jafari received his DMD from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association. If you have any questions about the blog or you or someone you know has suffered a knocked-out tooth, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today for assistance: (480) 722-1200.