It can happen in an instant. Whether you are playing sports or take an accidental fall, you might find yourself with an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth! This can be an alarming situation, but if you stay calm and take the proper steps, you can increase the chances that the tooth can be saved by your emergency dentist. Should you put the tooth back in its socket? What else can you do to manage the situation? This blog post provides practical guidance.
Call Your Dentist
An avulsed tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The longer the tooth is out of your mouth, the more likely it is to lose its viability. Therefore, you should call your dentist ASAP and let them know what happened. If you can receive care within an hour or so, there is a chance that you will not end up with a brand-new gap in your smile.
Protect the Tooth
After losing the tooth, carefully pick it up by its top portion (the part you normally see above the gumline). Rinse off any debris, and then try to place the tooth back in its socket. If that is not possible, tuck the tooth between your gums and cheek. Your saliva will help to preserve it.
If storing the tooth in your mouth will not work, place it in a glass of milk or use a tooth preservation kit that has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association. The key is to keep the tooth moist in order to preserve its delicate root cells. However, you should not store it in plain water or any acidic liquids; they may actually accelerate the damage.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment
Your dentist will examine your mouth and your avulsed tooth. If circumstances permit, they may splint the tooth back into its socket. As you heal, the tooth may eventually become a strong and sturdy part of your smile again.
If re-implanting the tooth is not possible, your dentist will care for any damage to your oral tissues and talk to you about your options. You should pursue tooth replacement as soon as possible in order to preserve your bite and prevent other teeth from drifting out of place.
Suddenly losing a tooth can be an alarming situation! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and get your oral health back on track.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Bryan Griffith has served as a dentist for more than 30 years. Together with Dr. Alex Hartgrove and our Prestonsburg team, he provides top-quality care in a comfortable environment. We are often able to accept emergency cases on a same-day basis, so do not hesitate to reach out to us if you experience a knocked-out tooth or another urgent oral health problem. Call Brookside Dental Care at 606-874-9311.