Emergency Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Instructions
If a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out (Avulsion)
This is a true "time-is-of-the-essence" emergency. You have the best chance of saving the tooth if you get to our office within 30 to 60 minutes.
Handle with Care:
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white chewing part), not the root. The root contains delicate periodontal fibers that are essential for re-attachment.
The Gentle Rinse:
If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in a dry tissue.
Try the Socket:
If your child is brave enough, gently push the tooth back into its socket and have them bite down on a clean cloth.
The Storage Rule:
If it won't go back in, place it in a small container of milk or the child's own saliva. Milk has a pH balance that keeps the root cells alive longer than water or air.
If a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out
Unlike permanent teeth, we typically do not try to put a baby tooth back in. Forcing it back into the socket can actually bruise or infect the permanent adult tooth developing directly underneath it.
However, you should still call us for an exam to ensure no tooth fragments remain and to check for jaw trauma.
Fractured, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth
Even a small chip can expose the dentin or the "pulp" (the nerve) of the tooth, leading to sensitivity or infection.
Action:
Rinse the mouth with warm water. If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you in a baggie!
The Fix:
Depending on the size of the break, Dr. Raya can often bond the original piece back on or use a durable, tooth-colored composite to restore the tooth’s shape.
