{"id":223,"date":"2022-06-16T18:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-16T18:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kramerdmd.com\/blog\/?p=223"},"modified":"2024-09-24T04:05:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T04:05:57","slug":"can-i-replace-my-knocked-out-tooth-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kramerdmd.com\/blog\/can-i-replace-my-knocked-out-tooth-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"My Tooth Was Knocked-Out; Can I Replace It Myself?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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According to the American Association of Endodontists, around 5 million adults and children get a tooth knocked out every year! When this happens, it is usually sudden and unexpected\u2014and even a little unsettling! But how do you know if you should try to replace the tooth yourself, or allow your dentist<\/a> to handle it? Keep reading to learn more about displaced teeth and why simply putting it back in yourself isn\u2019t always an easy option.<\/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 keep in mind if you\u2019ve experienced a displaced tooth is that time is of the essence! Immediately contacting your dentist and seeking treatment will give your tooth the best possible chance of being saved. That said, in some cases you can<\/em> put the tooth back in its socket yourself, if you take a smart and careful approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve located the lost tooth, carefully pick it up by its crown (chewing surface) and avoid touching the root. Do not wash the tooth or let it dry out, and don\u2019t wrap it inside of anything like a tissue or handkerchief. Instead, rinse the tooth with milk if necessary and then attempt to gently place it back in its socket. If the tooth slides in easily, you can keep it in place by gently biting down on a piece of gauze. If the tooth is being met with resistance, do not<\/em> try to force it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can instead preserve the tooth in a glass of milk; milk can protect the cells for up to six hours, which should be enough time to receive professional care. You can also store the tooth in a small plastic container. Remember that your tooth has the greatest chance of being saved if you\u2019re able to visit your dentist within an hour, so act fast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Preventing Additional Knocked-Out Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though there are many solutions for missing teeth, the best thing you can do is to simply prevent your teeth from being displaced in the first place. That said, consider the following tips to help keep your teeth where they\u2019re most needed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n