Prevention is the best approach when it comes to dental injuries. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or any physical activities where an accidental blow might occur can drastically reduce the risk of a knocked-out tooth, for example. However, teeth that have been knocked out from a blow are sometimes unavoidable and something that means seeking emergency dental services as soon as possible. An avulsed tooth, as a knocked-out tooth is referred medically, can often be saved but only if it is dealt with as a dental emergency. Whether from a sports injury, an accident, a brawl or a fall, time is of the essence so find an emergency dentist without delay. Here's what you should do to try and save the tooth.

Handle the Tooth With Care

To begin with, it is imperative to locate the knocked-out tooth even if it has fallen to the floor. Once found, it should be handled with great care. Avoid contact with the root as this could damage cells necessary for reattachment. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline solution. Don't scrub or wipe it.

Replace the Tooth

Next, attempt to reinsert the tooth back into its socket. This won't always be possible if there is swelling around the gum. However, if you can reinsert it, do so because this is the best place for an avulsed tooth to be. Do this by holding the crown, or the part of the tooth visible in the mouth, and gently pushing it back into its hole. You can then keep the tooth in place by gently biting down on a soft piece of clean cloth.

Keep the Tooth Moist

The tooth will remain moist in your mouth. Nevertheless, if reinsertion proves to be impossible, then the tooth should be kept moist another way. You can store the tooth in your mouth, preferably next to the cheek, until you reach the emergency dentist but take care not to accidentally swallow the tooth. Alternatively, the tooth could be stored in a container of milk.

See a Dentist

Let your emergency dentist know you have lost a tooth from a blow. They should treat a knocked-out tooth as a priority case so you don't have to wait. On arrival, your dentist will evaluate the damage and determine the best course of action. If the tooth is still alive, the emergency dentist should be able to stabilise it by splinting the tooth to the neighbouring teeth using a soft wire or a resin for support.

Contact a clinic like Amazing Dental to learn more.