Knocked-Out Tooth Care in North York

About knocked-out tooth care

A tooth that is knocked fully out of its socket is called an avulsed tooth. The tiny cells on the root surface start to dry out within minutes, and once they die the tooth is much less likely to reattach. That is why speed and keeping the tooth moist matter so much. The ideal place for the tooth is back in its socket. If that is not possible, cold milk, saline or a tooth-saving kit are good options. Holding it in your cheek works for an adult who will not swallow it. Plain tap water is not ideal for long.

At the clinic, your dentist gently rinses the socket, places the tooth back if needed, and holds it in position with a flexible splint bonded to the teeth beside it. X-rays check for broken roots or bone. Because the nerve inside a replanted adult tooth often does not survive, root canal treatment is commonly needed within a couple of weeks.

Baby teeth are handled differently. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back, as this can harm the adult tooth developing underneath. Bring your child in so we can check for other injuries and protect the area.

What to do right away

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, never the root
• If dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in milk or cold water; do not scrub it
• Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth
• If you cannot, keep it in milk or saline, not dry in a tissue
• Call us right away during office hours; after hours or with a head injury, go to a hospital emergency department

Benefits

• Quick care gives the tooth its strongest chance of reattaching
• Splinting holds the tooth steady while it heals
• Follow-up checks catch problems early
• Your dentist plans other options if the tooth cannot be kept

What to expect

1. Call aheadPhone us so we can prepare for your arrival and give advice while you travel.
2. Assess the injuryYour dentist examines the tooth, socket, lips and gums, and takes X-rays.
3. Replant and splintThe tooth is placed back if needed and held with a flexible splint for a few weeks.
4. Protect the nerveFor adult teeth, root canal treatment is often started within a couple of weeks.
5. Monitor healingFollow-up visits and X-rays over the coming months check that the tooth stays healthy.

Aftercare

• Eat soft foods and avoid biting on the splinted tooth until your dentist says it is okay.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and use any mouth rinse your dentist recommends to keep the area clean.
• Ask your doctor if your tetanus shot is up to date, especially if the injury happened outdoors.

Other options

If a knocked-out tooth cannot be saved, or it is lost later, it can be replaced with a dental implant once growth is complete, a bridge or a removable partial denture. For children and teens, your dentist may suggest a space maintainer or a temporary option until they are older.

Cost and coverage

The cost of care for a knocked-out tooth depends on the injury, X-rays, splinting and any follow-up treatment such as a root canal. Our fees are based on the ODA suggested fee guide, and many insurance plans cover part of emergency and trauma care. If you have CDCP coverage, ask us how it may apply. We explain the costs as soon as we can, and LendCare payment plans may help with follow-up treatment.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Knocked-Out Tooth Care near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.