Save a Permanent Tooth

Certain trauma from falling, accidents or hits by flying objects especially while playing sports, can cause a permanent tooth to be completely “knocked out” or AVULSED.

If it happens, in many cases, the tooth can be saved by quick, careful action. The most important thing to know is that quick replacing the tooth back into its place or SOCKET is crucial to the success of that tooth. If the tooth is replaced within the first HALF HOUR it has good chances of survival. You may want to buy at a drug store a “Save a Tooth” kit, which contains solutions and instructions to prolog lifetime of an avulsed tooth. Please read these instructions ahead of time so you will be ready in case of an emergency. Keep this kit in your child’s bag. To save the tooth, immediately follow these important steps at the site of injury:

1. If the tooth appears dirty, plug sink, rinse the tooth GENTLY under tap water. DO NOT SCRUB, TOUCH THE ROOT, OR PUT SOAP ON THE TOOTH!
2. Have your child rinse his or her mouth with warm water only.
3. If possible, immediately insert the tooth back into the socket, position like the tooth next to it as best as you can and hold the tooth in position with finger pressure or by biting firmly on cotton gauze.
4. If you cannot insert the tooth, place it in a container filled with your child’s spit or in milk. If you have a “Save a Tooth” kit, place the tooth in it.
5. Take the tooth and go IMMEDIATELY to your dentist or hospital emergency room. Call when you are on the way, but do not waste time calling before going.
6. Within 48 hours call your child’s physician to make sure your child is up to date with tetanus vaccinations.