Knocked-Out Tooth: First Aid Steps
Knocked out a permanent tooth? Don't panic — the clock matters, with best results within 30 to 60 minutes. Pick it up by the crown, rinse gently with milk or saline, reinsert into the socket if you can, or store it in cold milk or saliva. Never reinsert a baby tooth. Then get to an endodontist fast. 57 seconds.
Video Transcript
Knocked out a permanent tooth? Don't panic — the clock matters. Best results happen within 30 to 60 minutes. Step one: pick it up by the crown. Hold the chewing edge only, and never touch the root. Step two: rinse gently if it's dirty. Use milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub or use soap. Step three: reinsert into the socket immediately. Place it gently back in, then bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it in place. Step four: if you can't reinsert it, store it in cold milk or saliva. Never store it in plain water, and never wrap it in dry tissue or cloth. Was it a baby tooth? Do not reinsert it. This can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Bring it to the dentist instead. Get to an endodontist within 30 to 60 minutes. Silicon Valley Endodontics & Microsurgery, Sunnyvale, CA.