Knocked out teeth
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2010-01-01
Teeth most often get knocked out because of trauma.
How it works:
When a tooth gets hit with sufficient force, it loses its placement in the jaw.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
The body defends against having teeth knocked out in the same way it defends against other trauma – by avoiding it.
Risk factors:
The risk of having teeth knocked out rises significantly with participation in violent/dangerous sports.
Prevention:
To prevent having teeth knocked out while playing rough sports, wear a tooth guard.
If you do lose a tooth, place it into milk or tap-water and visit a dentist immediately.
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Your dentist/dental hygienist will help you to prevent the problem by making you a tooth guard.
If a tooth is knocked out, they will assess whether or not the tooth is salvageable. Alternatives to replacing the original tooth include a prosthetic, a bridge or an implant.