A friendly hockey game in the driveway can quickly turn stressful when a stick hits your mouth. Suddenly, you feel an empty space where a tooth used to be. Knocked-out teeth happen often during active family events, but quick action can help save the tooth and keep your smile healthy.
If you knock out a tooth, you need to pick it up by the crown, keep it moist in milk or your cheek, and get to a dentist as quickly as possible. The first 30 to 60 minutes give the tooth the best chance of being saved, but it’s worth coming in even if more time has passed.
If cost is a concern in an emergency, it’s worth knowing that emergency dental care may be covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and Crystal Smiles Dental accepts CDCP. We also follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, offer pre-procedure estimates, and direct bill insurance, so you can focus on getting help quickly without worrying about how to pay for it in the moment.
Initial Steps for a Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick up the fallen tooth gently by the crown as soon as you find it. The crown is the smooth white part you normally see when you smile. Touch only the top part to protect the sensitive root cells. You help the roots stay alive when you handle the tooth properly.
After you retrieve the tooth, it’s time to clean it. Wash a dirty tooth gently with a slow stream of cool water. Take care not to touch the root surface with your fingers during this rinse. Leave any attached bits of pink tissue exactly where they are. Those small pieces of tissue help the doctor reattach the tooth later.
How to Keep the Tooth Safe
Try to place the tooth back into its socket gently. You can bite down lightly on a piece of clean gauze to hold it steady. Call your dentist right away for further directions. The doctor can secure the tooth safely once you arrive at the clinic.
If it does not slide back into the gum easily, place the tooth in a small clean container. Cover the whole tooth completely with cold milk to preserve the cells, as a moist tooth survives much longer than a dry one. You can also tuck the tooth inside your cheek to keep it moist with saliva if no milk is nearby, but only do this with adults, never children, due to choking risk.
Signs You Need an Emergency Dentist
A knocked-out tooth is one of the clearest examples of a dental emergency. Pay close attention to how your mouth feels after the accident, as you might notice other symptoms that point to a bigger problem. Seek immediate help if you experience any of these signs:
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Swelling around your jaw area
- Numbness in your jaw or surrounding teeth
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- Loose or fractured neighbouring teeth
Tooth Replacement Options & Solutions
If your dentist can’t reattach your tooth, then restoration becomes the next best option. Your dentist may offer a range of options to securely fill gaps when a knocked-out tooth can’t be put back into place.
These options may include:
- Dental Implants: Dental implants can restore your natural bite. They look and act like natural teeth, so you can chew comfortably.
- Dental Bridges: Dental bridges can fill an empty space and help your smile blend in completely.
- Orthodontic Shifts & Alignment: It’s important to address empty spaces promptly, as they can cause neighbouring teeth to shift over time. Ask Dr. Lindsay about clear aligner options to fix any unwanted gaps and maintain smooth jaw movement.
Tips for Safe Smiles During Play
Protect teeth during physical sports with a proper shield to prevent dental accidents before they happen. A mouthguard is a simple concept. It’s a thick layer of plastic that cushions blows to your jaw during hockey, soccer, or any contact sport. Ask your dentist about custom mouthguards for a comfortable fit. A custom piece stays tight to your gums so you can breathe easily on the field.
Sometimes, preparation means being ready for the worst. Keep a small emergency dental kit in your car or sports bag since accidents happen unexpectedly. Pack a small container and some clean gauze for peace of mind. Save our clinic phone number (587-757-9809) in your contacts today. Keep the right information ready so you can seek help within 30 minutes of an injury.
Protect Your Family’s Smiles
At Crystal Smiles Dental, husband-and-wife dentists Dr. Ryan Warren and Dr. Lindsay Raoufi work hard to save your natural teeth whenever possible, so you can feel safe, comfortable, and cared for during every visit. Contact our friendly Okotoks team today or book online to set up a regular checkup or ask about our custom sports guards. Protect your family’s smiles and keep a reliable plan in place.
