Why You Should Put Teeth Back In After They’re Knocked Out

To get more information, BuzzFeed spoke to Dr. Bienstock, who said that if an adult tooth — NOT a baby tooth — gets knocked out of the socket, no matter what age, you must reinsert it back into its original socket within 60 minutes for the tooth to successfully last. “Once the tooth is back in its original position, the dentist will place a flexible splint — which looks like braces — to keep the tooth in place. Think of it like a cast,” she explained.

Dr. Bienstock said, “The splint stays on for four weeks while the nerves and blood vessels reintegrate with the body. Basically, during the four weeks, the root of the tooth begins to extend into the bone. The root contains blood vessels and nerves, which supply blood and sensations to the whole tooth. This area is known as the ‘pulp’ of the tooth. Many times, the tooth will survive because the pulp is able to reintegrate. Sometimes, however, after major trauma, the pulp will die, and the tooth might need a root canal. But the root canal basically ‘mummifies’ the tooth, so the tooth just stays in its place for function and aesthetics without sensation.”