How to Treat a Broken Tooth

Knocked-out teeth occur commonly as a result of sports injury or other trauma. Visiting a dentist immediately is critical to reimplantation and healing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Mouth Guards

1. See a dentist immediately. There is a 50 percent chance of successful reimplantation if a dentist is seen within 30 minutes of the injury.
2. Pick tooth up if it has been fully knocked out. Hold it by the non-root end, and rinse it in lukewarm water. Keep root cells wet and free from injury.
3. Keep tooth moist by holding it in mouth or placing it in a cup of milk or salt water until you reach dentist's office.
4. Do not attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket.

Tips & Warnings

• A tooth might be partially or completely knocked out. The tooth remains loosely in the socket in a partial knock-out, but is completely dislodged in a full knock-out.
• Prevent teeth from getting knocked out by wearing mouth guards when playing contact sports.
• If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician or dentist. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or treatment.