dental emergencies, knocked-out tooth, tooth injury, emergency dentist, Grand Rapids Family Dentistry

How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth: A Quick Guide

August 15, 2024 9:00 am

Picture this: you’re enjoying a weekend soccer game when suddenly—ouch!—someone’s elbow meets your face, and out pops a tooth. Yikes! But don’t panic. Dr. Kate and Dr. Josh Palmateer at Grand Rapids Family Dentistry are pros when it comes to handling dental emergencies, and they want to make sure you know just what to do if you find yourself with a knocked out tooth.

First Things First—Stay Calm

Yeah, we know, easier said than done when you’re holding your own tooth! But keeping a level head will help you act quickly, which is crucial for saving the tooth. Here’s a quick checklist:

  1. Pick it up by the crown: That’s the part of the tooth you see when you smile. Avoid touching the root to keep it clean.

  2. Gently rinse it: If the tooth is dirty, give it a quick rinse with milk or saliva—yes, your own saliva. Water’s okay if you have no other options, but avoid scrubbing it.

  3. Reinsert if possible: Try to gently place the tooth back into the socket. If that’s too painful, keep it in a glass of milk or hold it between your cheek and gums.

  4. Then, hustle on over to Grand Rapids Family Dentistry: Time is of the essence here—the sooner you see Dr. Kate or Dr. Josh, the better the chance of saving your tooth!

What if It’s a Baby Tooth?

Now, you might be wondering, “What if it’s a baby tooth?” Good question! For children, it’s best not to reinsert the baby tooth, as doing so could damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Just place the tooth in a small container and bring it with you to the dentist. Drs. Kate and Josh will take it from there!

Emergency Dentist in Grand Rapids, MI

Life happens, and so do dental emergencies. But with a little know-how and quick action, you’ll be flashing that smile again in no time. And remember, whether it’s for a knocked-out tooth or a regular check-up, Grand Rapids Family Dentistry is just around the corner, ready to keep your smile in tip-top shape!

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Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0



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