{"id":416,"date":"2022-10-03T16:01:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T16:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=416"},"modified":"2022-10-27T16:04:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T16:04:20","slug":"can-i-put-a-knocked-out-tooth-back-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/03\/can-i-put-a-knocked-out-tooth-back-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Put My Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Its Socket Myself?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Looking down at the ground and seeing that one of your teeth has been knocked out can be quite alarming; the world might even come to a screeching halt! But your situation isn\u2019t hopeless, and a little quick thinking and knowing how to handle a displaced tooth will ensure you don\u2019t suffer any long-term consequences. But is it ever a good idea to try to replace it yourself? Or is it better to hold off until you can visit your emergency dentist<\/a>? Keep reading to learn more about what you should do if you suffer a knocked-out tooth along with some tips for preventing additional teeth from being lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How To Address a Knocked-Out Tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s estimated that around 5 million US adults and children have one or more of their teeth knocked out annually. But just because it\u2019s a common issue does not make it any less serious or urgent! Displaced teeth have the best chance of being salvaged if you\u2019re able to see your emergency dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. That said, if you sustain a knocked-out tooth, quickly contact your dentist and let them know what\u2019s going on.  They will let you know when to come in; however, in some cases you might be able to temporarily put the tooth back in its socket yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re able to find the tooth, pick it up by its crown\u2014be careful not to touch its delicate root! You can rinse the tooth off with milk if it\u2019s gotten dirty, but do not wash the tooth with water or let it dry out. If the tooth is clean and your mouth isn\u2019t severely injured, you can attempt to place it back in the socket. If the tooth slides in easily, hold it in place by biting down on a piece of gauze; however, if it\u2019s being met with some resistance, don\u2019t try to force it in, as this could damage your gums and the tooth itself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might not feel comfortable trying to replace the tooth yourself\u2014and if you\u2019re worried about harming yourself, it\u2019s better to let your dentist promptly handle the situation! You should preserve the tooth in a glass of milk, a small plastic container, or Saran wrap in the meantime. Milk can preserve the tooth\u2019s cells for up to six hours, which should be plenty of time to seek professional treatment. Do not store the tooth inside of a handkerchief, Kleenex, or in water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Preventing Additional Displaced Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Realistically, it\u2019s not possible to fully prevent your teeth from being knocked out\u2014life is full of surprises and accidents happen. That said, there are still many preventive measures you can take to ensure they stay inside your mouth! Consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n