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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment in Selkirk
A knocked-out adult tooth needs fast, careful handling. Selkirk patients can learn how to store the tooth and why to call our Port Dover office right away.
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Handle the tooth gently and get help quickly.
When an adult tooth is knocked completely out of its socket, the cells on the root surface begin to dry and die. The sooner the tooth is replanted or stored in a suitable liquid, the better the chance of saving it. Even with fast action, not every replanted tooth survives long term, but prompt care gives it the best opportunity.
Whether the accident happens at a ball diamond, on a dock or at home in Selkirk, call our Port Dover office as soon as any medical emergency has been ruled out. The team can talk you through what to do with the tooth on the way and discuss how quickly it can be assessed.
In the first minutes
How the tooth is handled affects its chances.
Find and handle the tooth correctly
Pick the tooth up by the crown, the white chewing part, and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk, saline or the person’s saliva, or quickly under cold water, without scrubbing or wrapping it in tissue. Do not let it dry out. Keep calm and reassure the injured person while you act.
Replant or store it
If the person is alert and able to cooperate, gently push the tooth back into the socket, facing the right way, and have them bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If that is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline or inside the cheek of an adult who will not swallow it. Then call the dental office immediately.
Baby or adult tooth?
The approach differs for children.
Why baby teeth are not replanted
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back, because doing so may damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Control any bleeding with gentle pressure, keep the child comfortable and call the dental office for advice. The child should still be examined to check for other injuries to the mouth, lips and the developing teeth.
When a child loses an adult tooth
Children often lose their first adult front teeth to falls and sports between about ages six and twelve. If you are unsure whether the tooth is a baby or adult tooth, store it in milk and call the office for guidance. The team can help you decide what to do based on the child’s age and the tooth’s appearance.
At the appointment
The dentist works to stabilize the tooth.
Repositioning and splinting
The dentist will examine the socket, clean the area and replant or reposition the tooth if needed. X-rays confirm its position. A flexible splint is usually attached to neighbouring teeth to hold it in place while the supporting tissues heal. The dentist will explain how long the splint is likely to stay and what care is needed in the meantime.
Checking for other injuries
Lips, gums and nearby teeth are checked for cuts, fractures or displacement. Stitches may be needed for soft tissue injuries. Depending on the injury and how long the tooth was out, antibiotics or a tetanus check may be discussed with you or your physician. Keep a note of the time the injury occurred, as it helps guide treatment decisions.
Recovery and monitoring
A replanted tooth needs ongoing attention.
Caring for a splinted tooth
Eat soft foods and avoid biting on the injured tooth. Brush gently and keep the area clean, rinsing as directed. Avoid contact sports until the dentist says it is safe. Report increasing pain, swelling, loosening of the splint or a fever. Following these instructions supports healing of the ligament and the tissues around the replanted tooth.
Long-term follow-up
Replanted adult teeth often need root canal treatment, usually started within the first few weeks, because the nerve rarely survives. Follow-up visits and X-rays over months and years check for root changes. If the tooth cannot be kept long term, the dentist will discuss replacement options. A custom mouthguard may help prevent future injuries during sport.
Planning your appointment
If a tooth is knocked out in Selkirk.
Once any medical emergency is ruled out, call our Port Dover office right away and say a tooth has been knocked out. The team will advise on storing the tooth and how soon it can be seen.
Bring the tooth in milk or saline, note the time of the injury and bring a list of any medications and allergies.
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 soon as possible. The chances of saving a knocked-out adult tooth are best when it is replanted or properly stored within a short time. Call the dental office immediately, after making sure there are no serious medical injuries that need attention first.
What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?
If you cannot replant it, store it in cold milk, saline or inside an adult’s cheek. Do not store it in plain tap water for long or wrap it in tissue, and avoid letting it dry. Bring it with you to the dental appointment.
Should I clean the tooth before putting it back?
Only rinse briefly if it is visibly dirty, using milk, saline or a quick rinse of cold water. Do not scrub the root, use soap or remove any tissue attached to it. Handle the tooth only by the crown to protect the root surface.
Will a replanted tooth last?
Some replanted teeth function for many years, while others develop root problems over time. Outcomes depend on how quickly the tooth was replanted and how it was stored. Follow-up visits help the dentist monitor it and plan for replacement if needed.
Can a knocked-out baby tooth be saved?
Baby teeth are not replanted, because this can harm the developing adult tooth. Control any bleeding, keep the child comfortable and call the dental office. The child should still be examined so other injuries to the mouth are not missed.
Related injury care
Dental Emergencies →Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports hit can loosen, push or break teeth. Selkirk residents can learn what to do first and how follow-up works in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache, knocked tooth or facial swelling can be frightening. Selkirk parents can learn what to do first and when to call our Port Dover office.