Lost tooth? Act quick!

Losing a tooth is a scary experience, but it's not uncommon. Whether you have lost a tooth from a sports injury, an accident, or other facial trauma, knocking a tooth out can be painful and overwhelming. In the event of a tooth being knocked out, it's important to know what steps to take and act quickly.

Here are some things you should do if you have knocked a tooth out:

  1. Pick it - If you are able to find the tooth, pick it up by the top part of the tooth (the crown). Avoid touching the root as this can damage the cells that aid in re-attachment.
  2. Lick it - If the tooth is dirty, either lick it to clean with your saliva or rinse under cold water for no longer than 10 seconds.
  3. Stick it - try to put the tooth back into position and gently bite down on some tissue.
  4. If you are struggling to re-place the tooth in the gum, gently place and store the tooth in a glass of milk.
  5. Book an emergency appointment and visit a dentist as soon as possible. Time is of essence when re-attaching a knocked out tooth.

Baby teeth

If you have lost a baby tooth, do not put this back into the gum. You could damage the tooth growing underneath. If you are concerned about the lost tooth or experiencing pain, book an appointment to see your Hadleigh Dental Surgery dentist ASAP.

If you are not sure if its a baby tooth or adult tooth, place it in milk and take it along to an emergency appointment with your Hadleigh Dental Surgery dentists ASAP.

What the dentist will do

If you put the tooth back in, we will check it's in the right place and move it if they need to.

If you brought the tooth in milk, your dentist will clean it and put it back in.

We'll then fix the tooth to the teeth either side of it to hold it in place (known as splinting). You'll probably then need to come back after a couple of weeks to have the splint removed.

If you cannot find the tooth or your dentist is not able to save it, it can normally be replaced with a false tooth.

Emergency dental appointments

If you have knocked a tooth out, it is important to get emergency dental treatment ASAP. Contact Hadleigh Dental Surgery on 01473 823092 as soon as possible and explain what has happened. For out of hours emergency dental care in Hadleigh, give us a call on the usual number and follow the instructions.

At you emergency appointment your dentist will assess you and may treat any facial injury. However, treatment may be limited if there is any bruising or bleeding. They may take x-rays and will check if the tooth has been re-implanted successfully. You will probably need more appointments for follow-up treatment.

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If you have a suffered a knocked out tooth in Hadleigh or surrounding areas, call us immediately on 01473 823092.

To find out more or learn how to best manage any related dental pain, visit Dental Trauma UK.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Hadleigh Dental Surgery. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

651 Reviews

5.0

17th January 2025

Friendly. Helpful. Informative. Only a check up, but I was informed about what was happening.

17th January 2025

Options and treatment well explained. General atmosphere of professionalism and care.

16th January 2025

High quality, friendly and helpful dentistry.

16th January 2025

All the staff that we have dealt with over the past 15 years have been lovely and many of them are still there. This is indicative of a practice where the staff are valued and shows at every level.

15th January 2025

'So great' is a bit much! I wen too the dentist for a clean-up and check-up which I received with professionalism and courtesy and full and helpful explanation.

15th January 2025

The surgery is very friendly and well run. The clinicians are attentive and good at explaining what needs to be done and how it will be carried out. I always feel well looked after whenever I visit.

14th January 2025

PLEASENT SURRONDINGS,I FELT RELAXED AND CONFIDENT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLETIME I WAS IN THERE.I WAS TOLD EXCACTLY WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN DURING THE EXTRACTION,AND I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE 0F IT.

13th January 2025

I was very impressed with the treatment by the Dental practiioner, who answered all my questions and did not rush the appointment. They explained what was being done and were curteous and approachable.The receptionists were very helpful and polite. The reminder came on time and the whole experience was calm and positive.

11th January 2025

Friendly, professional and efficient

10th January 2025

Efficiency of my dental surgeon and his professional manner. Efficiency and courtesy of all the staff. Convenient location for me.

10th January 2025

Good dentist surgery

10th January 2025

Good Staff.Good Clinicians.Good treatment.Exactly everything one would wish for.

10th January 2025

Efficiency; pleasant interaction on reception and in surgery.. investment in facilities and building.

9th January 2025

Very pleasant staff.Good waiting room.Cloakroom well kept.

9th January 2025

Mr Patel was so calm and explained everything to me. He took his time and put me at ease. Couldn’t recommend or thank him enough.

9th January 2025

For the first time ever I feel really comfortable at a dentists. There is no pressure on time and the professionalism shown at all levels is so impressive. I remain confident that this surgery really ‘has my back.’

9th January 2025

Good service and Dr Singh always has time to explain points to you.Never rushed.

8th January 2025

I was satisfield

7th January 2025

Very helpful staff members and the dental Dr. explains every process to my kids so they understand what’s about to happen

7th January 2025

Everything went well. The dentist was very polite and put me at ease. The dentist didn't seem hurried in any way and felt I was thoroughly taken care of.

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