WHEN A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT...
don't delay!
QUICK ACTON CAN SAVE THE TOOTH....
time is CRITICAL !!!!
 

Teeth can be knocked completely out of a person's mouth by various accidents -
for example in sport, motor vehicle accidents, at home or in playgrounds.

These teeth CAN BE SAVED by quick acton - they can be put straight back into 
place in the mouth (replanted) and then they can return to normal function 
and appearance.

The most critical factor in replanting a tooth is TIME.  Quick action to locate
the tooth, clean it, replant it, or keeping it moist will give the best chance for
success.  Teeth that have been replanted within 30 minutes have the best chance
of surviving.

The TIME TAKEN to obtain dental treatment from a dentist is also critical.  If
possible have someone telephone the dentist to alert him of the accident.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

FIRST

- Remain calm
- Find the tooth
- Handle the tooth only by the crown (whiter part) and NOT by the root (yellow
  part)

THEN

1.  If the tooth is CLEAN:
    -  REPLANT immediately.  Use the other teeth as a guide.
    -  Have the patient hold it in place with finger pressure or bite on a 
       handkerchief to keep the tooth in place.
    -  Seek immediate dental treatment - TIME IS CRITICAL.

2.  If the tooth is DIRTY:
 CLEAN AND REPLANT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

    -  If available, rinse in MILK and then REPLANT.
    -  If milk is not immediately available then rinse BRIEFLY in cold water
       or have the patient gently suck the tooth clean THEN REPLANT.
    -  Seek immediate dental treatment - TIME IS CRITICAL.

3.  If you are UNABLE to replant:
KEEP THE TOOTH MOIST by either:

    -  Placing it completely submerged in MILK,or
    -  Alternatively sealing it in PLASTIC WRAP (eg Glad Wrap), or placing it 
       in the patient's mouth next to the cheek.
    -  BUT DO NOT PUT THE TOOTH IN WATER
    -  Seek immediate dental treatment - TIME IS CRITICAL.

4.  If the tooth root appears broken:

    -  Replant in socket
    -  Or place in milk or plastic wrap
    -  Seek immediate dental treatment -  TIME IS CRITICAL.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO

DO NOT hold the root surface.
DO NOT scrape or rub the root surface.
DO NOT let the tooth dry out.
DO NOT rinse in water for more than a few seconds.
DO NOT store the tooth in water.
DO NOT delay seeking dental treatment.
 
 
 

WHAT WILL THE DENTIST DO?
 

If the tooth has been replanted the dentist will make sure that it is 
correctly positioned.  If it has not been replanted, then the dentist will 
replant it.

                  _____________________________________________
 

The tooth must then be splinted in place for a short time.  Your dentist will
also examine the mouth for other injuries and advise  how to care for the 
injured tooth.
 

                  _____________________________________________
 

Your dentist will also recommend antibiotics and possibly a tetanus booster to
prevent infection due to contamination of the tooth and wound.  A visit to a GP
may  be needed.
 

                  _____________________________________________
 

The tooth will need further treatment to avoid any problems developing  - your
dentist will discuss this with you.
 

WHO TREATS KNOCKED OUT TEETH?
 

All dentists are trained to treat teeth that have been knocked out. They can
all provide emergency and follow-up treatment which usually includes root
canal treatment.

Some dentists refer patients to specialists for follow-up treatment.  If 
specialist care is indicated your dentist will discuss this with you.