A broken or knocked-out tooth can be frightening and painful. Whether caused by an accident, sports injury, biting hard food, or tooth decay, dental trauma requires immediate attention. Acting quickly can sometimes save the tooth and prevent complications.
At AMARA MEDICARE Clinic in Lagos, we provide urgent dental care for tooth injuries in both adults and children.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Dental trauma can include:
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Chipped or cracked tooth
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Broken tooth with exposed nerve
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Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth)
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Loose or displaced tooth
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Injury to the lips, gums, or jaw
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Broken fillings or crowns
The treatment depends on the severity of the damage.
What to Do If Your Tooth Breaks
If part of your tooth breaks:
Immediate Steps
✅ Rinse your mouth gently with warm water ✅ Save any broken tooth fragments if possible ✅ Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling ✅ Avoid chewing on that side ✅ Take pain relief medication if needed ✅ Visit a dentist immediately
Even small cracks can worsen without treatment.
What to Do If Your Tooth Falls Out (Knocked Out Tooth)
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a true dental emergency. Quick action within 30–60 minutes can increase the chances of saving the tooth.
Emergency Steps
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Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
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Gently rinse with clean water if dirty (do not scrub)
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Try to place it back into the socket if possible
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If not possible, store the tooth in:
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Milk
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Saliva (inside cheek)
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Clean container with saline
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Go to the dentist immediately
⚠️ Do NOT store the tooth in dry tissue or water for long periods.
Signs You Need Urgent Dental Care
Seek immediate treatment if you have:
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Severe pain
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Bleeding that does not stop
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Swelling of face or gums
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Exposed tooth nerve
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Loose or displaced tooth
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Difficulty closing the mouth
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Fever or signs of infection
Delaying treatment can lead to permanent tooth loss or infection.
How Dentists Treat Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
Treatment depends on the injury:
For Broken Teeth
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Dental bonding or filling
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Dental crown placement
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Root canal treatment if nerve is damaged
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Tooth extraction if damage is severe
For Knocked-Out Teeth
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Re-implantation of the tooth
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Splinting to stabilize the tooth
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Root canal therapy if needed
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Replacement options if the tooth cannot be saved
Early treatment gives the best outcome.
What If a Child’s Tooth Falls Out?
If a baby tooth falls out due to injury:
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Do NOT try to reinsert it
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Control bleeding with gentle pressure
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See a dentist to check for injury to permanent teeth
Professional evaluation is still important.
Preventing Dental Injuries
You can reduce the risk of dental trauma by:
✅ Wearing mouthguards during sports ✅ Avoiding chewing hard objects (bones, ice, pens) ✅ Treating cavities early ✅ Using seat belts in vehicles ✅ Protecting children during play
Prevention is always better than emergency treatment.
Emergency Dental Care in Lagos
A broken or knocked-out tooth does not always mean permanent loss. Quick professional care can save your smile and prevent complications.
At AMARA MEDICARE Clinic, we provide prompt, gentle, and effective emergency dental treatment in a comfortable environment.
📍 Visit: 1 Joe Ugochukwu Street, Greenfield Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos 📞 Call/WhatsApp: 08150376713
📍 Visit: Plot 76B Eleganza Gardens (opposite VGC), Ajah, Lagos 📞 Call/WhatsApp: 08150376696
📍 Visit: 30 Gbangbala Street, Ikate Lekki, Lagos 📞 Call/WhatsApp: 07084719775
📍 Visit: FF01 New Era Building, Cardinal Okogie (Monastery / Shoprite) Road, Sangotedo, Lagos 📞 Call/WhatsApp: 08150376698
If you experience a dental emergency, contact us immediately for urgent care.