Can I Put a Dislodged Tooth Back in the Socket?

Many people think of their teeth as invincible mounds in their mouths, but the truth is that they’re held in place by tissues, muscles, and ligaments that can be damaged. For example, if you suffer severe decay or disease, or sustain physical trauma, they can become destabilized or dislodged altogether.

Then, it’s natural to have questions about what to do next, like whether you should try to put your lost tooth back in its socket before contacting your dentist for an emergency appointment. Continue reading to learn more about it so you know what to do!

Is a Dislodged Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Outside of children losing their baby teeth naturally to make way for their permanent ones, it’s generally considered an emergency if a tooth is knocked out or becomes so damaged that it falls out prematurely. Adult teeth don’t regenerate, and there’s a chance your dentist can save the tooth, but only if you act quickly and if it’s still in good shape.

You might think lost baby teeth don’t count, but if your kid sustained an injury or lost them prematurely, it can potentially affect how their adult ones develop. That means it’s best to contact your family dentist for an appointment as soon as possible if you or your child has lost teeth due to a blow to the face or because of significant gum disease or cavities. Thankfully, many providers offer same-day visits for urgent issues so you don’t have to wait long to get help.

How Should I Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth?

There’s a chance your provider can rescue the dislodged tooth, but only if you act quickly and take the proper precaution. Most teeth only remain viable outside of the mouth for about 30 to 60 minutes, so contact your emergency dentist right away to schedule a time to come in.

Then, try to find the tooth to bring it with you. Be sure to handle it by the crown (the tooth-shaped portion) because touching the roots can damage still-viable cells. Then, gently rinse it under running water to remove blood, dirt, or other debris. You can also clean out your or your child’s mouth with water to avoid potential infection.

Can I Put My Dislodged Tooth Back in the Socket?

Next, it’s important to store the tooth somewhere safe until it’s time to leave for your appointment. If the tooth is whole and relatively unharmed, you might be able to gently put it back in its place.

But if it has jagged edges of enamel, you might cut your gums or the other tender tissues in your mouth trying to reposition it. In that case, you can place it in a container with a small amount of milk, or some of your saliva, to preserve it until you reach your dentist’s office.

Once you arrive, they’ll examine your condition and may take X-rays or other images to determine the best way to restore your smile.

About the Practice

At Dental Expressions, patients of all ages benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team who are passionate about helping them build beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Heather Heil and her husband, Dr. Robert (Bob) Heil, each have decades of experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet your or your family’s unique needs. If you’ve lost a tooth and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (920) 788-6280.