Find the tooth and hold it only by the crown (the white part), never by the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with cool water for a few seconds. Try to place it back into the socket immediately if you can do so gently. See a dentist or emergency room within the hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.

If you cannot replant it, store it in a container of cold milk or saline (do NOT store it in plain tap water).

If it is a primary tooth (baby tooth), do NOT try to replant it.

If a permanent tooth was knocked out, you should seek treatment immediately (within an hour).

If the tooth is loose, displaced, or pushed out of position, the tooth needs to be repositioned and splinted within 6 hours.

If the tooth is chipped or fractured where a piece of it is missing, the tooth should be evaluated and repaired within 24 hours.

Your dentist will typically ask the following questions:

• When and where did the injury happen?
• How did the accident occur (sports, fall, auto accident, etc?)
• Were you unconscious at any point during after the implant?
• Does your bite feel different or misaligned after the injury occured?
• Are your teeth sensitive to hot or cold liquids or air?
• Do you have any pain or numbness in your jaw or lower lip?
• If a part of the tooth is missing, did you locate the missing piece and bring it with you to your appointment?

The treatment of the trauma depends on the severity of the fracture or dislodgement of the tooth. A minor chip can be repaired by reattaching the broken fragment or bonding a tooth-colored composite resin. A moderate-to-large fracture may require a dental crown to restore function and appearance. If the nerve or pulp is exposed, root canal therapy may be indicated.

Not always, but if a permanent tooth is severely dislodged or damaged, root canal is generally required within days or weeks following the injury to prevent further pain and infection. Your dentist may monitor the vitality of the nerve over several weeks or months if root canal therapy is not recommended right away.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the face to control swelling. Gentle warm salt water rinses can help after the first 24 to 48 hours to keep the area clean.

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediate if you experience:

• A suspected broken jaw or severe facial bone trauma
• Uncontrolled, heavy bleeding in the mouth
• Severe swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing
• Head trauma or loss of consciousness