Losing a Permanent Tooth

Sometimes, when someone loses a permanent tooth, it is possible for the tooth to be saved. However, this depends on several factors, and we at Dr. Joseph Dallesandro’s Upper East Side practice want our patients to know what to do in case of an emergency.

After locating the tooth, hold it only be the crown, not the root. The American Dental Association recommends liquids to clean lost teeth with and containers to transport them, but if these are not available, rinse the tooth with milk or saltwater. If possible, place it back in the socket. If this cannot be done, the patient should hold the tooth in their cheek or submerge it in milk or a saline solution and bring it to our office.

A tooth has the best chance of being reinserted if it is seen by a dentist within an hour of being lost. However, a lost tooth may not be the patient’s most severe injury. Additionally, only permanent teeth can be saved. Reinserting a baby tooth may disrupt the growth of the permanent tooth behind it, though children will be given a spacer to ensure there is room for the permanent tooth to erupt. If an implant is knocked out, it must be replaced.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

Handling Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro understands that accidents happen, and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.