My Tooth has been knocked out, what can I do?

Having a tooth knocked out from an accident or injury can be a traumatic experience. Having an unwanted gap in your smile can lower self-esteem and have a huge impact on your mental health. But it’s not the end of the world, there are several ways to replace a missing tooth that will leave your smile looking just as good (or even better) than before!

In America there are over 5 million knocked out teeth (avulsed teeth) each year. When a child loses their milk teeth, it’s best just to stop the bleeding and wait for the new adult teeth to grow through. However it’s a different story when your adult tooth has been knocked out as you’re not going to grow a replacement.

Saving your knocked-out tooth

The tooth can still be saved if you get it to a dentist on time. If the tooth is fractured/broken it’s likely that it can’t be re-implanted but still take it to your dentist anyway to check. If the tooth is still intact, you need to get to a dentist as soon as possible as its likely that the tooth can be put back into your mouth and saved. As time goes by however, the chance of this procedure succeeding drops dramatically after an hour.

Whilst you wait to see a dentist, it’s important to look after your missing tooth. Avoid touching the root and if it’s still connected to your mouth try not remove it. It is important that you avoid cleaning the tooth. The best way to look after it is it put the tooth back into its empty socket. If this is not an option store the tooth in your cheek or in a glass of milk. The tooth has a higher chance of successful re-implantation if you keep it in an environment similar to its natural one.

Your dentist will clean the tooth socket and flush out any debris before re-implanting the original tooth. The tooth will then be supported using a splint to keep it stable, this will allow the tooth to reattach over time, a process which could take weeks.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

If the tooth cannot be re-implanted you don’t have to settle with a missing tooth. There are many cosmetic options to replace missing teeth, such as removable dentures and a fixed bridge. The most popular (and best way) to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant. Dental Implants look feel and function just like a normal tooth, and if looked after correctly can last a lifetime. Dental Implants involve inserting a titanium fixture into the jaw where the missing root used to be. This implant can then be restored with a crown that looks exactly like your other teeth, matching and completing the rest of your smile.

Preventing Knocked Out Teeth

We recommend to all our patients involved in sporting activities to get a professionally fit mouth guard to prevent the occurrence of dental trauma and knocked out teeth. A bespoke gum shield will be created for you based on an impression taken of your teeth, giving you a mouth guard that fits around the teeth and offers significant protection for your teeth.

If you have recently lost a tooth or are looking to replace a missing tooth please contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 5000 our Emergency helpline is available until 11pm week nights and 24 hours on Friday & Saturday into Sunday.