Dental emergencies tend to happen when you least expect them. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency could be the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. Learn about common dental emergencies and how to handle them properly.
Knocked-Out Tooth: More than 5 million teeth get knocked out annually. Even though teeth are securely held in place by their roots, significant impact to the face can knock out or break a tooth. When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, the tooth needs to stay moist to keep it alive. Teeth die within 15 minutes of being knocked out when not cared for properly. If possible, try to put the tooth back in the socket without touching its root. If the tooth doesn't stay in the socket, place the tooth between one of the cheeks and gums. Alternatively, you can store the tooth in a container of milk. Contact a dentist immediately to have the tooth repaired.