What Should I Do If My Tooth is Knocked Out?
One of the most popular problems for people visiting an emergency dentist is knocked out teeth. The most common cause of a knocked out tooth is a sporting accident or injury. If you are unlucky enough to lose a tooth, then you need to contact your dentist as soon as you can after the accident, otherwise you might run into avoidable problems and costs.
What should I do immediately after my tooth is knocked out?
If you have a tooth or teeth knocked out while playing sport or participating in another rough activity, then time is of the essence. If you are quick enough, your emergency dentist should be able to put the tooth back in, preventing any long-term effects.
When your tooth gets knocked out, the blood vessels and nerves associated with it can be damaged. Unfortunately, these can’t be replaced or repaired, which means that you will need to get a root canal on the damaged tooth or teeth. However, if it placed back into your mouth in time, the tooth will be able to reattach to your jaw bone, keeping your smile looking good for years to come!
Looking after a knocked out tooth:
If your tooth is knocked out, you need to find it as quickly as you can. Avoid touching the root of the tooth, and try and handle it by the top. The root will be damaged if you touch it, reducing the chance of successfully re-implanting it.
If it is dirty, then rinse it with milk if possible. If you don’t have milk, use water. Place the clean tooth in a glass of milk if possible, and keep it cold until you are able to see a dentist. If you don’t have milk, try and store the tooth in your mouth between your gum and lip. If this isn’t possible (for example, if the victim is a small child), then place it in a glass of water.
If you would like to, you can actually try and slip the tooth back into place on your own. In some cases, it will go back in. If it won’t, then don’t force it – head to your dentist instead. If you do manage to get it back in, note that it is still extremely important to get emergency dental treatment as soon as you can.
At the dentists:
Your dentist will often be able to save your tooth, as long as it is in one piece. If the tooth or bone is broken it may be harder, but this is pretty rare. They will simply slip it back into place, wait a while (in most cases) and then perform a root canal. They will often splint the tooth by attaching it to the teeth next to it, and it should be as good as new within a few weeks.
If you do have a tooth knocked out or damaged, then it is essential to get to the dentist as soon as possible. It is best to get it re-implanted within an hour of being knocked out for the best chance of success. Call and emergency dentist and head straight there as soon as the accident occurs.
