Your teeth endure pressure from biting and chewing without issue regularly. But the high impact from a blow to the face or another accident could accidentally dislodge one or more teeth. This dental injury will require prompt action if you want to save the knocked-out tooth and restore your smile.
When you know what to do in the event of a dental emergency ahead of an accident, you can feel more confident and assured if the scenario arises. So read on to learn the steps you should take if you lose a tooth.
Take Action If You Knock Out a Tooth
Preserve the Tooth As Well As Possible
If you lose a tooth, collect it as quickly as you can. Make sure you handle the tooth from the crown rather than the root. This is because the root contains sensitive nerves that might become even more damaged at your touch.
If the tooth is dirty due to touching the ground, you can gently rinse it with milk. Or you may use water if milk is not readily available. Do not rub at it with a cloth or other fabric as this could damage the tooth further.
You will want to keep the tooth moist to best preserve it. If you can, you should carefully place the tooth back in its socket in your mouth. Do not force it into place, but the saliva will help to keep the tooth as healthy as possible.
Alternatively, you can store it in a cup filled with spit to keep it moist. If you are careful, you could also tuck the tooth in your cheek near the outer gums to preserve it. You might also place it in a glass of milk or water.
Visit Your Dentist for Emergency Treatment
Quick action to save a knocked-out tooth is key. So make sure you call your dentist or go straight to their office within half an hour if you can. They will be more likely to successfully get the tooth back in place within this early window of time. Delaying treatment could decrease this chance of success.
The dentist will clean the area and put the tooth in the socket, keeping it in place with a splint. The tooth should reattach within three to four weeks. If the tooth suffered a fracture, the tooth may need more time to heal and attach.
They will also likely need to complete a root canal to finish the restoration. Make sure you attend any recommended follow-up dentist appointments to ensure the healing proceeds properly.
Sometimes, due to a number of potential factors, a dentist cannot place the tooth back in the mouth. In these cases, a dentist can provide several options for tooth replacement treatment.
A dental implant can replace one or more lost teeth in a comprehensive way. They will fill gaps in your smile, restore oral function, and prevent further oral health complications that may arise due to tooth loss.