{"id":165,"date":"2022-06-01T17:10:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T17:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alexgoodmandmd.com\/blog\/?p=165"},"modified":"2022-07-12T17:13:51","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T17:13:51","slug":"can-i-put-my-knocked-out-tooth-back-in-its-socket-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alexgoodmandmd.com\/blog\/can-i-put-my-knocked-out-tooth-back-in-its-socket-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Put My Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Its Socket Myself?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Having a tooth knocked out happens more than you might realize! According to the American Association of Endodontists, around 5 million US adults and children have one or more of their teeth knocked out annually. That said, what should you do when it happens to you? Is trying to put the tooth back in its socket yourself a good idea, or should you hold off until you can visit your emergency dentist<\/a>? Keep reading to learn about how to handle this situation, along with some tips for preventing it from happening in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can I Put the Tooth Back in Its Socket Myself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to remember if you\u2019ve experienced a knocked-out tooth is that time is of the essence! 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, immediately contact them upon having a tooth knocked out and explain the situation\u2014they\u2019ll inform you when to come in. But in some cases, you can temporarily put the tooth back in its socket yourself if you\u2019re smart about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After locating the displaced tooth, carefully pick it up by the crown, its chewing surface. Be very careful to not touch its 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. Then, you can gently attempt to place it back in the socket; if it slides in easily, hold it in place by biting down on a piece of gauze. If the tooth is 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

If you can\u2019t safely place the tooth back in its socket, preserve the tooth in a glass of milk, a small plastic container, or Saran wrap until you can visit your dentist. 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

How Can I Prevent Additional Knocked-Out Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though it\u2019s impossible to fully prevent your teeth from being knocked out, there are many preventive measures you can take to ensure they stay put. Consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n