What to do if a Permanent Tooth Falls Out

What to do if a Permanent Tooth Falls Out

Team Dental Emergencies

Losing a permanent tooth can be a shocking experience. An adult tooth that has fallen out or been knocked out as the result of dental trauma is considered a dental emergency. Fortunately, in some cases, your tooth may be replanted in your gums. Seek emergency endodontic treatment immediately for the best chance of saving your tooth.

Can a Tooth That Falls Out Be Put Back In?

It depends on what caused it to fall out. When a tooth is forcefully knocked out due to an impact or injury, sometimes the supporting tissue is damaged and can’t be repaired. However, a root canal can sometimes save the tooth, allowing the bone to reattach to the root once it’s been treated, and put back in place. The root canal and replacement must take place as soon as possible for the best chance of success. If the tooth is very young, there is even a chance it can revascularize on its own without a root canal!

If one of your teeth falls out or is knocked out, try not to touch the root of the tooth. Instead, gently hold the tooth by the crown, and rinse it with water. Do not scrub the tooth. If you can put it back in its socket easily, place it there, and then seek treatment from an endodontist as soon as possible. Placing it back in the socket as soon as possible is the most important factor in the long term success of the tooth! If it cannot be placed back in the socket, soaking the tooth in Hanks Balanced Salt Solution is the next best option, then milk, saline, and lastly water. 

What Causes Adult Teeth to Fall Out?

The most likely scenario of tooth loss as an adult is due to a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle accident, sports-related injury, or any other injury to the face. As mentioned before, if your tooth or your child’s tooth falls out, the most important thing you can do is implant it back into the socket as quickly as possible. The survival of the tooth long term is completely dependent on how quickly the tooth is placed back in its socket. The cells in the ligament around the tooth die very quickly if left outside of the proper environment. 

Emergency Treatment for Dental Trauma in Pleasant Hill

If you or your child loses a tooth as the result of trauma, seek immediate endodontic treatment. In some cases, teeth may be saved.   Contact Tittle Endodontics today for emergency dental treatment: 925-676-3388.