Can I treat an avulsed tooth myself?
Can I treat an avulsed tooth myself?
An avulsed tooth requires immediate treatment to save the tooth. See your dentist as soon as possible afterward for further avulsed tooth treatment. Call your dentist or the nearest dentist to find out how to get emergency care. You should first treat the avulsed tooth yourself at the scene of the accident. You can follow these steps:
- Pick up your tooth by the crown (white chewing surface). Don't touch the root (the part that usually holds your tooth to the bone below your gumline).
- Rinse your tooth with water or milk to remove any dirt. Avoid using soap, and do not scrub or dry the tooth.
- Gently place your tooth back into the socket, root first. Hold your tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root.
- Bite on a napkin, gauze or handkerchief to anchor your tooth in place.
- Visit a dentist immediately.
Only reattach permanent teeth that have been knocked out. Don't try to reimplant baby teeth, as this may cause injury to developing permanent teeth. In both cases, seek dental help as soon as you can. If you can’t reinsert your tooth into the socket, keep the tooth moist until you can see a dentist. Avoid putting your tooth in water if possible. Water can harm the root surface cells. You can put your tooth in:
- A glass of milk.
- A salt solution specifically for preserving avulsed teeth, often found in first aid kids.
- Your cheek, where saliva keeps it wet.
- In saline solution.