Knocked Out Tooth

What is an avulsed tooth?

An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out. A tooth can be knocked out for a number of reasons: often a blow to the mouth, or an accident involving the face.  This can happen for example during contact sports.  It is possible to replace the tooth in the socket successfully if the right action is taken as soon as possible.

I’m bleeding – what can I do?

Don’t panic.  Get a clean handkerchief and fold it up, then hold it over the socket and bite down.  Keep your jaws together to apply pressure.  If you need something for the pain, don’t take any medication containing aspirin as this can encourage further bleeding.  Do not apply clove oil to the wound.

I've still got the complete tooth, can it be replaced?

Maybe.  The complete tooth needs to be replaced in the socket as soon as possible, ideally in under 30 minutes.  But teeth have been successfully replaced up to 60 minutes after being knocked out.

What should I do with the tooth?

Avoid handling the root.  If it is very dirty, either store it in milk or pop it back into the inside of the injured persons cheek to keep the tooth moist.

How do I put the tooth back in?

Hold the tooth by the crown and put it back into the socket firmly, root first.  Bite on a clean handkerchief for about 15-20 minutes.

What should I do if I can’t get the tooth back in?

Your tooth has more chance of survival if you keep it in your cheek until you can get emergency dental treatment.  This will keep the tooth in its most natural environment.  If this is not possible, keep it in some milk.

What If I have only got part of the tooth?

It is not a good idea to try and put the tooth back into the socket if it is not complete.  Contact your dental surgery as soon as possible and your dentist will tell you what options are available to restore the tooth.  You may need dental x-rays to see if there is any root damage.

Is there anything I should do if I haven’t got the tooth?

If you cannot find the tooth, you may have swallowed it.  If you think you may have swallowed or inhaled it, you may need an x-ray to be sure of this.

What If it is a baby tooth?

Most dentists would not recommend re-implanting a baby tooth in case an infection damaged the adult tooth underneath.  Contact your dentist as soon as possible for advice.  They may need to examine the child to check if any fragments of tooth are still in the gum.  There is no way of temporarily replacing a baby tooth, so the treatment is to wait for the adult tooth to come through.

Where should I get emergency dental treatment?

It is important to get emergency dental treatment.  If you are registered with a dentist, contact the dental practice as soon as possible and explain what has happened. If the incident has happened out of normal dental practice hours, you should still be able to contact your dentist for emergency treatment.  Phone the practice number and you should be given information on when and where you will be treated.  The dentist will then tell you what treatment will be needed.

What if I’m not registered with a dentist?

If you are not registered with a dentist then phone NHS Direct 0845 4242424 who will tell you about dentists in your area that are able to see you.  Remember to say that you need emergency treatment as soon as possible.

What should happen at my emergency visit?

Your dentist will assess the immediate situation and may treat any facial injury.  However, treatment may be limited if there is any bruising or bleeding.  They may take x-rays and will check if the tooth has re-implanted successfully.  You will probably need more appointments for follow up treatment.

What further treatment will be required?

If the tooth has re-implanted successfully you will probably need the tooth to be root treated. If the tooth is lost or doesn’t implant successfully, it can be replaced at first with a denture.  Then, when the socket has healed fully, you can have a bridge or dental implant.

Is there anything that I can do to avoid getting a tooth knocked out?

You could wear a mouthguard – a rubber-like cover that fits over your teeth and protects you against a blow to the mouth.  Your dentist can have one made for you by taking an impression of your teeth and sending it to a laboratory.  The laboratory then makes the mouthguard so that it fits your mouth exactly.  Mouthguards can be clear or coloured – for example in the colours of the team kit if you want to wear one while playing sport.