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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment in Turkey Point
A knocked-out adult tooth is time-sensitive. Turkey Point patients can learn how to handle and store the tooth and why to call our Port Dover office right away.
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Handling a knocked-out tooth correctly gives it the best chance.
When an adult 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 professional help fast can improve the chance that it will reattach. Baby teeth are handled differently and should not be put back in place.
If this happens in Turkey Point, on the beach or at the cottage, call our Port Dover office right away once any serious injury has been ruled out. The team will give instructions over the phone and arrange next steps.
First minutes
What you do right away can make a real difference.
Find and handle the tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown, the white part you normally see, and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or clean water for a few seconds without scrubbing or wrapping it in tissue. Sand from the beach can be rinsed off gently. Do not let the tooth dry out.
Replant or store it
If the person is alert and it is an adult tooth, you may be advised to gently push it back into the socket and have them bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If that is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline or the person’s own saliva inside the cheek if they can do so safely. Then call the dental office immediately.
Baby or adult tooth
The right response depends on which kind of tooth it is.
Adult teeth
Adult teeth usually appear from around age six onward. A knocked-out adult tooth is a dental emergency, and replanting quickly, or storing it properly, gives the best chance of saving it. Even if the tooth has been out for some time, contact the dentist, who can advise whether reimplantation is still worth attempting.
Baby teeth
Baby teeth should not be put back in, because doing so can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Comfort the child, control bleeding with gentle pressure and call the dental office for advice. The dentist will want to check the area and the developing teeth, even if the injury seems minor.
At the office
The dentist works to stabilize the tooth and assess damage.
Repositioning and splinting
If the tooth has been replanted or brought in, the dentist cleans the area, places the tooth in its socket if appropriate and attaches a flexible splint to neighbouring teeth to hold it steady while it heals. X-rays confirm its position. Antibiotics or a tetanus check may be discussed depending on the circumstances.
Checking for other injuries
The dentist also checks for fractures of other teeth, jaw injury and cuts to the lips or gums. Tell the team how the injury happened and how long the tooth was out of the mouth. This information helps the dentist predict healing and plan follow-up care.
Healing and follow-up
Replanted teeth need close attention as they heal.
Caring for the splinted tooth
Eat soft foods, avoid biting with the injured tooth and keep the area clean with gentle brushing and any rinses the dentist recommends. Avoid contact sports while the splint is in place. Call the office if pain or swelling increases, the splint loosens or the tooth feels more mobile.
Monitoring over months
Replanted teeth often need root canal treatment, and regular X-rays monitor the root and surrounding bone. Some teeth are eventually lost despite best efforts, and the dentist will discuss replacement options if that happens. Seasonal visitors should arrange follow-up with their regular dentist and bring records.
Planning your appointment
Calling from Turkey Point right away
Phone our Port Dover office immediately if an adult tooth has been knocked out. Explain what happened and how the tooth is being stored, and follow the team’s instructions.
Bring the tooth in milk or saline. Note the time of the injury and any other symptoms such as headache or nausea.
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 sooner a knocked-out adult tooth is replanted or properly stored and treated, the better the chance of saving it.
What is the best way to store the tooth?
Milk, saline or saliva are good choices. Do not store it in plain tap water for long or let it dry out. Keep it with you on the way to the dentist.
Should I scrub dirt off the tooth?
No. Rinse it briefly with milk or water and avoid scrubbing or touching the root, which can damage cells needed for reattachment.
Can a knocked-out baby tooth be saved?
Baby teeth are not replanted, to avoid harming the adult tooth beneath. The dentist will check the area and advise on any follow-up.
Will a replanted tooth last?
Some replanted teeth last for many years, while others may need further treatment or eventual replacement. Follow-up visits help monitor healing.
Related injury care
Dental Emergencies →Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, collisions and water-sport bumps can injure teeth. Turkey Point patients can learn what to do first and how injuries are assessed at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache or mouth injury can be frightening. Turkey Point parents can learn what to do first and when to call our Port Dover office for urgent advice.