According to the American Dental Association, the difference between saving and losing a knocked out tooth, is the thirty minutes following the incident.

To save the tooth, follow these steps:

• Rinse the tooth in tap water
• Avoid scrubbing the tooth
• Insert the tooth into the empty socket quickly
• If you are uncomfortable inserting the tooth, put the tooth in milk or water Get to the dentist immediately

Common dental emergencies

Chipped or Fractured teeth

Although teeth are the strongest substance in the whole body, they may chip or break due to various reasons. Some of the most common reasons are biting into something hard accidentally, tooth with a large filling, root canal treated tooth that is not capped and tooth undermined due to decay. What to expect?

Depending on the extent of fracture your tooth may be sensitive to temperature and pressure changes. Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water. Take a pain reliever if needed. See your dentist as soon as possible so he can determine the course of treatment.

How is it treated?

Fractures may involve only the superficial outer part of the tooth (enamel). In such a case your dentist may lightly polish the area to smooth the rough surfaces or place a filling and observe the tooth for further changes.

If the fracture involves the enamel and the inner sensitive dentin your dentist may have to place a crown due to the extent of involvement. This will protect the tooth and prevent further damage. Sometimes fractures may involve the enamel, dentin and the nerve tissue inside the tooth. This will necessitate a root canal treatment and a crown. If the crack extends beyond the gum line it may require a crown lengthening procedure, which involves removal of bone to grasp enough healthy structure for the crown.

However, if the crack extends to the root the tooth cannot be saved and will have to be removed.