Time is of the essence! A knocked-out permanent tooth is a TRUE DENTAL EMERGENCY

1. DO NOT handle the roots of the tooth. Handle only the crown portion.
2. DO NOT rub or scrape the root of the tooth to remove dirt.
3. DO NOT use any water or any disinfectants on the root.
   

DO NOT TRY TO REIMPLANT 'BABY' TEETH - the underlying permanent tooth can be damaged in the process.

If the tooth is very dirty, it can be rinsed in contact lens saline or milk. DO NOT USE WATER!. If there are no suitable solutions readily available, and you intend to replace the tooth in the socket (the ideal approach) then have the patient lick any superficial dirt off the root.

If possible, replace the tooth into the socket (make sure it is facing the right way) and gently but firmly try to seat it into its correct position.

A temporary splint can be made from heavy aluminium foil, to help hold the tooth stable as the patient is taken to the dentist.

If not able to place the tooth in the socket, transport it in a clean container, keeping it moist with

• contact lens saline.
• milk
• the patient's own saliva

If no container is available, and the patient is able to cooperate, place the tooth under the patient's tongue of in the chichi pouch.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE TOOTH BE ALLOWED TO DRY OUT.

Get the patient to the dentist IMMEDIATELY!

Remember - time is of the essence. A tooth that is reimplanted and splinted within 30 minutes has a good chance of survival. The chances of success drop dramatically as time increases or if the tooth is allowed to dry out.