TOOTH AVULSION: A Dental Emergency
What You Can Do if a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out

Trauma to the face and mouth from sports or other accidents can cause teeth to fracture, loosen or even knocked completely out of its socket (avulsion). Teeth that are knocked out can often be saved if it is replanted straight back into the socket.

What Should I Do?
+ Remain calm, act quickly and don't delay. Remember, time is critical
+ Find the tooth. Attempt replant ONLY if it is a permanent tooth. (You should not replant a baby tooth!)
+ Hold the tooth by the crown, NOT by the root
+ If the tooth is clean, replant immendiately. Put back into the socket.
+ If the tooth is dirty, replant quickly after rinsing. Rinse in plain cold milk. If no milk is available, rinse briefly in cold water. Do scrape or rub the root surface. Put tooth back into socket.
+ Apply finger pressure to keep tooth in place. Seek immediate dental treatment.

Note: If unable to replant the tooth, keep tooth moist in plain cold milk and see a dentist immediately. The most critical factor is TIME. Teeth that have been replanted within 30 minutes have a better chance of surviving.

What You MUST NOT Do:

• Rinse in water for more than a few seconds
• Let the tooth dry out
• Store the tooth in water or any hot liquid
• Delay seeking treatment

What Will the Dentist Do?
- The dentist will check that there are no other injuries
- If the tooth has been replanted, the dentist will check that it is in the correct position
- If the tooth has not been replanted, then the dentist will replant it
- The tooth will be splinted to help it re-attach
- The dentist will recommend antibiotics and possibly a tetanus booster, if indicated
- The dentist will inform you of follow-up treatment that may be needed