Knocked-Out Tooth: Walking along the sidewalk, you look up to admire the nice day. The birds are singing, the clouds are- UH-OH. While your attention was diverted upwards, you didn't notice the busted concrete ahead of you. You fall, unfortunately knocking out your tooth on the concrete.

Step 1: Do not to panic. It can be very traumatizing and scary experience to have a tooth knocked out, but it is very important to stay calm in this stressful situation. Having a tooth knocked out is not uncommon and if the proper measures are taken, a dentist can help.

Step 2: Gently rinse off the tooth in warm water while holding it by the crown. It's important that the tooth is clean and free of debris.

Step 3: Set the tooth in a cup of milk or under your tongue. This will help preserve the tooth and keep it in a state where it can be repaired.

Step 4: The first step in a situation where you chip or break your tooth is rinse your mouth out with some warm water. This will help keep the area clean and wash away any possible debris that may have collected.

Step 5: Next, a cold compress on the area will help keep the swelling down, which can create an easier situation for the dentist to deal with. Avoid direct contact in the injured area, instead place the ice pack on the outside of your mouth over the area of impact.

Step 6: If needed it is ok to take ibuprofen to help address the pain. Additionally, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medicine and can also help with any swelling that may have occurred during the injury. The less swelling, the easier it will be for the dentist to treat.

Step 7: Call an emergency dentist. Find a local expert who can assist you in dental emergencies no matter what time of day/night. You may not want to simply go to the closest dentist, instead, find a dentist who specializes is replacing missing teeth such as a dental implant expert.

Being prepared for a dental emergency is not only about knowing what to do in each situation, it's also important to have a qualified dentist to assist you in a state of emergency. Local reviews online, word of mouth, and your own experience can help in determining where the best option is for you.

If you live in the Milwaukee or Franklin area you are in luck. Dr. Olsen of Franklin Dental is the one you want to see. Dr. Olsen's focus ranges from dental implants to Invisalign to general dental care. With expanded knowledge and advanced continuing education in all disciplines of dentistry, he is the one who knows what to do! Feel free to pass his name on to friends and family- he loves referrals!