It is rare, but it does happen!  When a tooth is completely avulsed from the tooth socket.  Completely – all in one piece!

Like most emergencies, its important to know what to do to increase the likelihood of the best outcome.

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Important:  Make sure its a permanent tooth, not a baby tooth.  We would only be concerned with replanting permanent teeth.

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• Keep the patient calm.  Easier said than done!

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part).  Avoid touching the root.

• If the tooth is dirty, wash it briefly (10 seconds) under cool running water.  Try to encourage the patient or parent to replant the tooth back in the socket.  Bite on a something soft to hold it in place.  Tissue/paper towel/handkerchief.

• If this is not possible, place the tooth in a suitable storage container, e.g.. a glass of milk, saline solution or have patient spit into container.  Avoid water as a storage medium.  The tooth can also be transported in the mouth of the patient – inside the cheek if possible.  BE CAREFUL, if the patient is too young or doesn’t understand that they cannot swallow the tooth it is much better to use a container.

• Seek emergency dental treatment immediately.