One unfortunate blow to a child’s face can knock out his/her tooth and make them toothless. Did you know that a knocked out tooth can be fixed back into the mouth

 It is important to be informed about how a tooth can be saved and be placed back into the socket at the earliest.The anterior or the front teeth are the most vulnerable to injury from accidents or sports. They might either chip, get dislodged or get knocked off completely. In such situations, the foremost thing to do is to be calm and carefully inspect the injury. Any bleeding spots and lacerations need to be wiped with moist cotton and an immediate visit to the dental surgeon are recommended. Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of each injury. Sometimes, the impact of the trauma causes additional, unnoticed injury to the neighbouring teeth which can only be detected by a proper dental examination.If the tooth is chipped, chances are it will get restored back to function by a tooth-coloured filling or by reattaching the broken piece. If the tooth fracture is too extensive, endodontic treatment (Root Canal Treatment) becomes necessary followed by placement of a dental crown. In such cases, breathing through the mouth or drinking cold fluids could be painful. Biting on clean, moist gauze or cloth will help relieve symptoms until reaching the dentist’s office. The dental surgeon will examine the chipped tooth and also take x rays to look out for any fractures along the tooth root and jaws. Other times, a blow causes the tooth to get dislodged into the socket, sideways or out of the socket. The dental surgeon will reposition and stabilize the tooth(splinting) and might also recommend an endodontic treatment.On unfortunate occasions, if the blow is severe, the entire tooth along with the root might get knocked off and fall out of the mouth.  When the entire tooth is knocked out, it is said to have avulsed. Avulsed tooth needs immediate and prompt treatment and any delay in doing so will lead to the sacrifice of the tooth. Time is of the essence and if treatment is rendered quickly, preferably within 30 minutes, there is a chance to save the tooth.Emergency action can save the avulsed tooth so that it can be replanted successfully and last for years to come.

What can be done if a tooth gets knocked off?

  • Locate the tooth at the accident site and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface) and NOT the root.
  • If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water. The tooth should never be scrubbed or washed with any soap or chemicals. It should be very gently handled to preserve the cells on the root surface.
  • Try to reposition the tooth into the socket immediately, if possible. Push it in with your fingers slowly and hold it in place by biting down on it.
  • If repositioning is not possible, or you are unable to do it, store the tooth in cold milk (do not use flavoured milk). When milk is not available, place the tooth in the child's mouth (between the cheeks and gums). Be very careful and do not let the child swallow the tooth.
  • Milk teeth cannot be replanted. This holds good only for the permanent tooth.
  • Do not use regular water for storage of the tooth as the root surface cells get destroyed.
  • See a dental surgeon within 30 minutes of the injury.

Many factors affect the long-term health of the injured tooth like the nature of the injury, the length of time from injury to treatment, how your tooth was cared for after the injury and your body’s response. Usually, if all the factors are well taken care of, the tooth is restored in form and function.  Following the treatment, regular follow up appointments to the dental surgeon is recommended for up to 5 years to ensure that the tooth and surrounding tissues have healed completely. Most of the traumatic injuries to the tooth can be taken care of if prompt action is taken. Awareness and knowledge of how to manage a traumatized tooth can help prolong its life and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.