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What to do when someone knocks out a tooth


Ring a dentist to organise emergency treatment

Check that this tooth is a PERMANENT/ADULT tooth.

If so, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (whiter part) of the tooth. Avoid touching the root at any time.

If tooth is dirty, rinse under cold clean water for 10 seconds.

Try to replant the tooth back into the socket it was knocked out from if possible. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position.

If this is not possible, store the tooth in:

a) Saline

b) Inside the mouth outside the teeth at the cheek (not for younger patients)

c) Milk in a container

Do not store in water

Go to the dentist. A better result will be obtained by attending as quickly as possible (at least less than 2 hours). Our own phone number is 021 454 3856.

Dr John Bresnan

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