Guidelines for Loss of a Permanent Tooth
1. Avoid periodontal ligament (root) injury
- Hold tooth gently by crown
- Do not touch, rub, or clean root
2. Remove debris if present
- Rinse tooth with saline or cool running tap water
- Gently remove debris from crown only
3. Re-implant tooth immediately
4. Transport tooth to dentist. If re-implanting is not possible, use one the following options for safe transport:
- Milk packed in ice (best option)
- Patient's mouth at the furrow of the cheek (buccal sulcus)
- Normal saline
"Remember — if you experience the loss of a permanent tooth, it is a dental emergency and you need to call our office immediately!"