Dental injuries

Alternative names:

broken teeth; lost teeth; tooth knocked out

First aid:

1. Save any permanent tooth that has been knocked out for possible reimplantation. If a baby tooth has been knocked out, it may not be re-implanted.
   
   
2. Handle the tooth by the crown only (the chewing edge, not the roots).
   
   
3. Gently rinse the tooth in tap water, but not under the faucet.
   
   
4. Try to replace the tooth in the socket and bite down gently on gauze or a wet tea bag to help keep it in place. The surrounding teeth can be used as anchors to create a temporary bridge or cap; certain types of putty or melted paraffin (candle wax) mixed with a few strands of cotton will serve this purpose.
   
   
5. If the tooth cannot be replaced in the socket, the best storage solution is to place the tooth in 0.9% salt solution, accompanied by a cushion for protection. The Save-A-Tooth storage device is recommended.
   
   
6. If necessary, the tooth can be placed in a container and covered with a small amount of whole milk or your own saliva. A tooth can also be rinsed and carried by the victim between the lower lip and lower gum.
   
   
7. Apply a cold compress to the mouth and gums for pain.
   
   
8. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
   
   
9. Get dental help immediately. The sooner dental attention is received, the better the chances are for successful reimplantation.

Do not:

• DO NOT handle the roots of a tooth. Handle only the chewing edge.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• A permanent tooth has been knocked out--see a dentist immediately.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial