Smiling boy sitting in the dental chair at tidewater family dentistry, representing a knocked out tooth.A dental emergency can happen unexpectedly, especially when an accident or injury affects your smile. Knowing what to do after a knocked out tooth helps protect your oral health and improve the chances of a successful outcome. At Tidewater Family Dentistry in Newport News, VA, we understand that emergencies can be stressful, which is why having a plan in place is important when urgent situations occur.

Stay Calm and Act Quickly

When you experience a knocked out tooth, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Prompt treatment helps prevent additional damage and allow our dentists to evaluate the injury quickly. 

While it may be difficult to stay calm during a knocked out tooth emergency, taking quick action helps protect your tooth until you reach our dentists.

Handle the Tooth Carefully

If you find the tooth after an accident, handle it carefully. A knocked out tooth should only be held by the crown, or the visible portion of the tooth that normally sits above the gums. Avoid touching the root, because this area is important when determining whether the tooth can be saved.

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it before seeking treatment. Avoid rubbing the tooth or attempting to remove any remaining tissue. Keeping the tooth in good condition while contacting our dentists help support the next steps.

Contact Our Dentists Right Away

A knocked out tooth requires prompt attention and should not be ignored. Calling our dentists immediately allows our team to provide guidance and determine the appropriate care for your situation.

Our dentists will evaluate the knocked out tooth, examine the surrounding teeth and tissues and determine the best treatment option based on your individual needs. Receiving professional care quickly gives our team the opportunity to address the emergency and protect your smile.

What Causes a Knocked Out Tooth?

A dental emergency happens unexpectedly, especially when an accident or injury affects your smile. Knowing what to do helps protect your oral health and improve the chances of a successful outcome. At Tidewater Family Dentistry, we understand that emergencies can be stressful, which is why having a plan in place is important when urgent situations occur.

How We Help During Emergencies

Emergencies can be unexpected, but having a trusted team makes the experience less stressful. We provide emergency care to help patients address urgent concerns, including a knocked out tooth, severe tooth pain, infections and injuries to the mouth.

During an emergency appointment, our dentists will assess the condition of your tooth and surrounding structures. Every situation is different, so your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury and your overall oral health.

Protect Your Smile with Preventive Care

While not every emergency can be avoided, maintaining good oral health and practicing preventive habits helps reduce your risk of injuries. Regular visits allow our dentists to monitor your smile, identify concerns early and provide guidance for keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

If you participate in sports, wearing a mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of dental injuries. Avoiding habits that put unnecessary pressure on your teeth helps prevent damage.

Get Help After a Knocked Out Tooth: Request Your Appointment Today

A knocked out tooth can be frightening, but knowing what to do helps you respond quickly. Handle the tooth carefully, contact our dentists immediately and seek professional care as soon as possible.

Contacting us right away helps you understand your treatment options and next steps after an emergency.

At Tidewater Family Dentistry in Newport News, VA, we are here to help when dental emergencies happen. Whether you experience a knocked out tooth or another urgent dental concern, our team is ready to provide the care and guidance you need to protect your smile. Request your appointment today!