A day at the beach or pool in Huntington Beach should be all about fun in the sun—not dental emergencies. But accidents can happen in an instant: a slip on wet concrete, an unexpected surfboard collision, or even a stray volleyball.
Knowing exactly what to do if you knock out a tooth can make the difference between saving it or losing it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your smile until you reach your dentist.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Teeth can sometimes be successfully reimplanted, but time is critical. The best chance of saving a tooth is if it’s reinserted or preserved and brought to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. Acting quickly can help your dentist stabilize the tooth and prevent long-term complications.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Other Injuries
First, take a deep breath and make sure you or the injured person doesn’t have any other serious injuries such as a head wound or heavy bleeding. If there are signs of a concussion or severe trauma, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. Once you’re safe, focus on the tooth.
Step 2: Locate the Tooth and Handle It Correctly
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part)—not the root.
- Avoid touching or scrubbing the root, as the delicate ligament cells are crucial for successful reimplantation.
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do not use soap, chemicals, or tap water if possible, and never scrape or scrub.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth (Adults Only)
If it’s a permanent adult tooth and you feel comfortable:
- Gently place the tooth back into the socket, holding it by the crown.
- Bite down softly on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to hold it in place.
This keeps the root moist and protected while you get to the dentist.
Important: Never attempt to reinsert a baby tooth—this could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath.
Step 4: If You Can’t Reinsert It, Keep It Moist
If reinsertion isn’t possible:
- Place the tooth in a container of cold milk, saline solution, or a tooth-preservation product (available in some first-aid kits).
- If none of these are available, keep the tooth inside your cheek between the gums and cheek—only if the patient is conscious and old enough to avoid swallowing it.
- Avoid storing it in plain water, which can damage root cells.
Step 5: Control Bleeding and Reduce Swelling
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a damp cloth to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding; use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you need pain relief and it’s safe for you.
Step 6: Contact a Dentist Immediately
Time is everything. Call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic in Huntington Beach right away. Let them know you’re coming and that it’s a knocked-out tooth so they can prepare for immediate treatment.
If you can’t reach your regular dentist, search for an emergency dentist near Huntington Beach or head to the nearest urgent care center that handles dental emergencies.
After the Dentist Reimplants the Tooth
If the tooth can be saved, your dentist will typically:
- Clean and reposition the tooth in the socket.
- Stabilize it with a splint attached to neighboring teeth.
- Schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and check for signs of infection.
- Possibly recommend a root canal to preserve the tooth long-term.
If the tooth can’t be reimplanted, your dentist will discuss options such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore your smile.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies at the Beach or Pool
- Wear a mouthguard when surfing, playing beach volleyball, or participating in water sports.
- Avoid rough play near the pool’s edge or slippery areas.
- Keep a small dental emergency kit in your beach bag with saline solution, gauze, and a container with a lid.
Your Local Emergency Dentist in Huntington Beach
At Beachside Dental Group, we understand how quickly a fun day in Surf City can turn into an unexpected dental crisis. Our team is experienced in handling dental emergencies, including knocked-out teeth, and we provide fast, compassionate care to help you save your smile.
Call Us Right Away
If you or someone you love experiences a dental emergency, call (714) 842-6151 or request an appointment online.
Acting quickly can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. With the right steps and immediate professional care, you can get back to enjoying the sun, sand, and surf with your smile intact.