"What should I do if my tooth was knocked out?"

Accidents involving the front teeth are all too common.  When a tooth is knocked out or loose time is of the essence.  At the most, you have a few short hours to prevent permanent loss of the tooth.  If the tooth is knocked completely out you must first, carefully clean the tooth by rinsing it under running water.  Try to remove any dirt on the root surface by rinsing only.  Do not attempt to scrub this part with a brush or any other object.  If the remaining cells on the root are damaged the tooth can't be saved.  Next the tooth must be kept moist.  If possible, try to gently replace the tooth in the socket.  This usually isn't possible so next best is to place the tooth in the mouth of the person it was knocked loose from.  If there is even the slightest risk of the person swallowing it then place it in a container of saline, Hanks Balance Solution (available at most drug stores), or milk.  Call us immediately.  You need to be seen within an hour or two.