Teeth may be lost for several reasons. First, they can be avulsed (knocked out) from trauma. If the avulsed tooth is a permanent tooth (or if you’re not sure), call a dentist immediately. If a tooth has been out of the mouth more than an hour, the possibility of re-planting it successfully drops off dramatically.
If you are not sure if the tooth is a permanent tooth, don’t try to replace it in the tooth socket. If the patient is unwilling or unable to cooperate to allow replacement of a permanent tooth in its socket, and the tooth must be transported outside the mouth, you can place it in a container of Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (available at most pharmacies, and often kept on hand by athletic trainers) or milk. Do not use soap or other solutions on the tooth root.
Dislodged Teeth
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be displaced from their natural position. Your general dentist may be able to reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment may be needed within 7-10 days depending upon the extent of the injury. If the pulp remains healthy, further treatment may not be necessary; however, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal therapy will be required.
Avulsed (Knocked Out) Teeth
If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist and treatment is rendered in an hour or less. If possible, put it back into the socket. You may even put the tooth in a glass of milk. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored may influence the type of treatment you receive.
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