You’re out enjoying the day with your family when suddenly, you take a tumble. Realizing you hit your mouth fairly hard, you discover you’re now dealing with a knocked-out tooth. What should you do? Should you try to put it back into its socket by yourself or wait to see your emergency dentist? You’ll discover the answer here in this article, as a local dentist explains what steps you should take when faced with this type of dental emergency.
Can You Save a Knocked-Out Tooth?
Believe it or not, it is possible to save a knocked-out tooth. Time is of the essence when dealing with this type of injury, and you should expect to see your emergency dentist within the hour. To ensure it remains viable, there are specific steps you should take, however, such as:
- Immediately calling your dentist’s office to schedule an emergency dental appointment.
- Retrieving the tooth, holding it only by its crown.
- Rinsing your mouth with water to flush out any dirt or debris.
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the vacated socket. You can use your fingers to gently reposition it before biting down to hold it in place.
Placing the tooth back into its socket is one of the best ways to keep it moist, which is essential if you want your dentist to try and save it. However, if this simply is not possible, and you cannot reinsert it, you can always place it in a small container of milk. The goal is to keep the tooth moist.
If the tooth arrives in enough time, and the roots are still moist enough to save it, your dentist will attempt to reattach it so that it will reintegrate with your existing bone.
What Happens if the Tooth Cannot Be Saved?
If too much time passes, or the tooth is too badly damaged, it will be necessary for you and your dentist to discuss ways to replace it. Vacated sockets that are left untreated will only result in additional bone and tooth loss over time. This is why establishing a course of action to replace the tooth is essential.
There are several options for tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. The latter allows for a permanent solution that offers maximum stability and longevity because of the titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone.
When meeting with your dentist, they will go over the necessary details and discuss which tooth replacement option will be best for your smile.
Just remember that when you’re faced with a knocked-out tooth, don’t wait to seek professional help. Preserving your tooth the appropriate way will give you the best chance of saving it while continuing to enjoy a natural, healthy smile.
About the McCarl Dental Group
The McCarl Dental Group consists of four dental experts who are committed to helping patients living in Millersville, Greenbelt, and the surrounding areas achieve their smile goals. As skilled dentists, our team is here to deliver timely care to individuals suffering from dental emergencies. When a knocked-out tooth leaves a person in pain or panicked, we can provide the necessary treatment to try and save the tooth or replace it. If you or a loved one is faced with this type of injury, call our dental office today.