If your tooth is knocked out:
- Try to find the tooth
- Call the surgery to arrange an emergency appointment
- Remove any dirt or debris from the tooth by rinsing gently
- To avoid damaging the socket, don't try to replace the tooth in the gum
- Keep the clean tooth in the inside of your cheek - or wrap it a clean cloth and store it in a container filled with milk
- A tooth can be re-implanted within half an hour of the injury - so go to the surgery as soon as possible
If your tooth is pushed inwards or pulled outwards:
- Call the surgery to arrange an emergency appointment
- Gently reposition the tooth with your finger - but don't force it back into the socket
- Use a moist tissue, or gauze, to gently hold the tooth in place
- A tooth can be re-implanted within half an hour of the injury - so go to the surgery as soon as possible
If your tooth is broken:
- Call the surgery to arrange an emergency appointment
- It's crucial that your dentist assesses the damage and decides on an appropriate treatment within half an hour of the injury - so go to the surgery as soon as possible
- Minor fractures can be repaired using a sandpaper disc or a composite restoration
- Moderate fractures can be restored with a crown
- Severe fractures can't always be restored but they can be replaced by an artificial tooth
If your mouth, cheeks, lips or tongue are injured:
- Clean the wound immediately
- If your tongue is bleeding, gently pull it forward and use gauze to place pressure on the wound
- Go to hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
