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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment in Lynedoch
Protect the root surface and keep the tooth moist in the first moments. Lynedoch patients can see what to do next and when to phone our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Lynedoch patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Lynedoch patientsMinutes matter
What you do in the first moments can affect whether a tooth survives.
When a permanent tooth is knocked completely out of its socket, the cells on the root surface begin to dry and die quickly. Keeping the tooth moist and getting it back into the socket, or to a dentist, as soon as possible gives it the best chance of reattaching. Even with prompt care, not every reimplanted tooth survives, but acting quickly improves the odds.
If a tooth is knocked out in Lynedoch, call our Port Dover office immediately after addressing any medical emergency. Describe the injury and how the tooth is being stored. The team will discuss how to proceed and what to do during the drive.
Handle with care
Protect the root surface from the very start.
Pick up the tooth correctly
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the white chewing part, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it very briefly with milk or cold water for a few seconds. Do not scrub, wipe or wrap it in tissue, as this can damage the delicate root cells needed for reattachment.
Try to replace it if possible
If the person is alert and cooperative, gently push the tooth back into its socket facing the right way and have them bite on a clean cloth to hold it. Do not force it. This is not recommended for baby teeth, which should not be put back because it may harm the developing adult tooth.
Store it properly
Keeping the tooth moist is critical.
The best storage options
If the tooth cannot be put back, place it in a small container of cold milk or a tooth preservation solution if available. Another option is to keep it in the person’s mouth between the cheek and gums, but only if they are old enough not to swallow it. Saline can also be used.
What to avoid
Do not store the tooth in plain tap water for long periods, as it can damage the root cells. Never let it dry out. Bring the tooth with you in its container and note the time it was knocked out, since timing helps the dentist plan treatment.
At the dental office
The dentist works to reposition and stabilize the tooth.
Reimplanting and splinting
If the tooth has not been replaced, the dentist will clean the area and gently reposition it. A flexible splint is usually bonded to neighbouring teeth to hold it steady while it heals. X-rays confirm the tooth’s position and check for fractures of the root or surrounding bone.
Assessing other injuries
The dentist also examines the lips, gums and other teeth for injuries. Stitches may be needed for soft-tissue cuts. Depending on the situation, antibiotics or a tetanus check may be recommended. The dentist will explain the plan and follow-up schedule before you leave.
Follow-up
Ongoing visits help track how the tooth is healing.
The first weeks after reimplantation
Eat soft foods, avoid biting on the injured tooth and keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinses as directed. The splint is usually removed after a period of healing. Root canal treatment is often needed for adult teeth that have been knocked out, sometimes starting within weeks.
Long-term monitoring
Reimplanted teeth need monitoring over months and years. Signs such as discolouration, mobility, pain or gum swelling should be reported. Some teeth may eventually be lost despite treatment, and the dentist can discuss replacement options such as an implant or bridge if that happens.
Planning your appointment
Calling immediately from Lynedoch.
Phone our Port Dover office right away once any medical emergency is handled. Bring the tooth stored in milk or in the person’s mouth, along with any fragments you find.
Note the time the tooth was lost and whether it was replaced in the socket before you set out.
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 should I get to the dentist?
As soon as possible. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted or seen by a dentist, the better its chance of survival. Call immediately so the team can advise you.
Should I put a baby tooth back in?
No. Baby teeth should not be reimplanted because this can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Call the office for guidance and an assessment.
Can I rinse the tooth with water?
Rinse very briefly with milk or cold water only if it is dirty, for a few seconds. Do not scrub it. Store it in milk or saline rather than plain water.
Will the reimplanted tooth survive?
Outcomes vary depending on how long the tooth was out, how it was stored and the injury. Many need root canal treatment. The dentist will monitor healing closely.
What if I cannot find the tooth?
Call the dental office. The tooth may have been swallowed, inhaled or lost. An X-ray may be needed, and if breathing is affected, seek emergency medical care.
Related injury care
Dental Emergencies →Dental Trauma Treatment →
Fall, collision or a blow to the mouth? Lynedoch patients can learn first steps for injured teeth and call our Port Dover office to arrange a prompt assessment.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s knocked-out tooth, swelling or sudden toothache can be frightening. Lynedoch parents can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office.