{"id":422,"date":"2022-05-17T18:02:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T18:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/?p=422"},"modified":"2025-04-30T12:54:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T12:54:53","slug":"can-i-replace-my-knocked-out-tooth-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/can-i-replace-my-knocked-out-tooth-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"My Tooth Was Knocked Out; Can I Replace It Myself?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dental emergencies<\/a> can happen when you least expect them\u2014and something like a knocked-out tooth can be a little unsettling! According to the American Association of Endodontists, it\u2019s estimated that over 5 million people have at least one tooth knocked out each year. But when this happens, should you try to replace the tooth on your own? Here\u2019s what you need to know about displaced teeth and why it isn\u2019t always easy to simply pop it back in yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Getting The Tooth Back in Its Socket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to remember if you\u2019ve experienced a displaced tooth is that time is of the essence; immediately contacting your dentist and jumping into action will give your tooth the best chance of being successfully restored. However, in some cases, you can<\/strong> put the tooth back in its socket yourself if you\u2019re smart about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, carefully locate and pick up the tooth by its crown (chewing surface) and avoid touching the root. Don\u2019t wash the tooth, let it dry out, or wrap it in a tissue or handkerchief; instead, rinse it with milk if necessary and then attempt to replace it. If the tooth slides in easily, try to keep it in place by gently biting down on a piece of gauze. If the tooth is being met with resistance, do not<\/strong> try to force it in. Instead, preserve it in a glass of milk or clear plastic wrap until you can see your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milk can protect the cells for up to six hours, which should be enough time to receive professional care. However, seeing your dentist within 30 to 60 minutes gives your tooth the greatest chance of being salvaged. The longer you wait to receive treatment, the more likely you will need to have the tooth replaced entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing Additional Displaced Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though displaced teeth can be treated, the best thing you can do is simply preventing your teeth from being knocked-out in the first place. While there\u2019s no way to prevent this entirely, consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n