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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment in Fishers Glen
If an adult tooth is knocked out in Fishers Glen, minutes matter. Learn how to store it, what not to do with baby teeth and when to call our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenAct quickly and gently
What you do in the first minutes can affect whether the tooth survives.
When an adult tooth is knocked out completely, the cells on the root surface begin to dry and die within a short time. Keeping the tooth moist and getting it back into the socket quickly gives the best chance of it reattaching. Handling it correctly matters too, because damaging the root surface reduces the chance of success. Baby teeth are handled differently and should never be replanted.
If a tooth is knocked out in Fishers Glen, first check for any serious head injury, then call our Port Dover office right away. The team will give guidance on what to do and discuss how quickly the person should be seen. Bring the tooth, stored correctly, with you.
Immediate steps
Handle the tooth by the crown, never the root.
Find and handle the tooth
Pick up the tooth by the white chewing part, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or a gentle stream of cold water for a few seconds, without scrubbing, soap or wiping. Do not wrap it in tissue or let it dry out. Stay calm and reassure the injured person while you work, as panic can slow things down.
Replant or store it
If the person is alert and it is an adult tooth, try to place it gently back into the socket, the right way round, and have them bite softly on clean gauze to hold it. If replanting is not possible, store the tooth in cold milk or the person’s own saliva, or in a tooth preservation kit if available. Then call the dental office immediately.
Baby teeth
Knocked-out baby teeth need a different approach.
Why baby teeth are not replanted
Replanting a baby tooth can damage the developing adult tooth underneath, so it should not be pushed back in. If you are unsure whether the tooth is a baby or adult tooth, keep it moist in milk and call the dental office for advice. Children around six to eight years old may have a mix of both, which can make it hard to tell.
What to do instead
Comfort the child, control bleeding with gentle pressure on clean gauze and apply a cold compress to the face if there is swelling. Call the dental office to arrange an assessment. The dentist will check for injury to the surrounding teeth and gums, and monitor the development of the adult tooth at later visits. Bring the lost tooth along.
At the office
The dentist will stabilize the tooth and assess the damage.
Repositioning and splinting
If the tooth was replanted at the scene, the dentist will check its position and may adjust it. If it was stored, the dentist will clean the area and replant it if appropriate. A flexible splint is usually attached to neighbouring teeth to hold it in place while healing begins. X-rays help check the root, socket and surrounding bone for damage.
Checking for other injuries
The dentist will examine nearby teeth, the lips, gums and jaw for other injuries. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases, and you may be asked about your tetanus vaccination status if the tooth was contaminated with soil. The dentist will explain the plan, including follow-up visits and what to expect over the coming weeks and months.
Healing
Replanted teeth need careful follow-up.
The weeks after
Eat soft foods and avoid biting into hard items with the injured tooth. Brush gently and keep the area clean, using any rinse the dentist recommends. Avoid contact sports until cleared. The splint is usually removed after a set period, depending on the injury, and the dentist will check how the tooth is settling at each visit.
Long-term monitoring
Many replanted adult teeth need root canal treatment, as the nerve is often damaged by the injury. The dentist will monitor the tooth with X-rays and tests over months and years. Watch for discolouration, swelling, pain or a bump on the gum, and contact the office if any appear between scheduled visits. Keep every follow-up appointment.
Planning your appointment
Urgent help for a knocked-out tooth from Fishers Glen.
Call 519-583-2929 immediately if a tooth is knocked out. Our Port Dover team will give guidance on handling the tooth and discuss how quickly the person should be seen. Do not wait to call.
Bring the tooth replanted or stored in milk or saliva, and let the team know about any other injuries, medications or medical conditions.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Knocked-out tooth questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How quickly do I need to see a dentist?
As quickly as possible. The best outcomes usually occur when an adult tooth is replanted within a very short time. Call the dental office right away, and replant the tooth at the scene if you can do so safely.
What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?
If you cannot replant it, store the tooth in cold milk, the person’s saliva or a tooth preservation solution. Do not store it in water for long, wrap it in tissue or let it dry out, as these damage the root cells.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Sometimes, particularly when it is replanted quickly and handled correctly. Even with prompt care, the tooth may need root canal treatment or may not reattach long term. The dentist will monitor and explain the outlook.
Should I put a baby tooth back in?
No. Replanting a baby tooth can harm the developing adult tooth. Keep the child comfortable, control any bleeding and call the dental office for advice on next steps and assessment. The nearby teeth may also need checking.
What if the tooth was out for a long time?
Bring it anyway and call the office. Even if the chance of reattachment is lower, the dentist can assess the situation and discuss options, which may include replanting with a different outlook or planning replacement.
Related injury care
Dental Emergencies →Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports injury can loosen, push or break teeth. Learn what Fishers Glen patients should do first and when to call our Port Dover office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s knocked tooth, toothache or swollen face can be frightening. Fishers Glen parents can learn the first steps and when to call our Port Dover office.