Did you know that more than 5 million teeth are knocked out in the United States every year? Despite what you might have heard, not all knocked-out teeth are lost for good. The survival of your tooth relies on getting it back into its socket as quickly as possible. You must also get to an emergency dentist right away. Here’s what you should do if you’ve had a tooth displaced.
Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents can happen with no warning. If you have a tooth knocked out, the first thing you need to do is not panic. Here’s what you should do to save your tooth:
- Handle Your Tooth Carefully: Find your tooth and only touch the crown. Do not touch the root because you can damage the cells on its surface.
- Rinse Your Tooth: Rinse your tooth with cool water. Do not use any soaps or scrub your tooth. Do not dry it because it must be kept moist.
- Insert Your Tooth: Carefully position your tooth back into its socket and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
- Preserve Your Tooth: If you weren’t successful reinserting your tooth, preserve it in a dental solution. If you don’t have any on hand, place it in a cup of milk. Avoid using tap water if possible because it can harm the root cells.
- Get to Your Dentist: Contact your dentist and get to their office within the next 30 minutes. Delaying treatment significantly reduces your tooth’s chance of survival.
Treating a Knocked-Out Tooth
Your emergency dentist will get you into their office quickly and examine your mouth. Often, they can stabilize your tooth using a splint. A temporary dental cement and a very thin wire are used to hold your tooth in place with the support of your adjacent teeth. This can allow the ligaments and underlying structures to heal around your tooth. It may need to be kept in place for several weeks.
Replacing a Lost Tooth
Unfortunately, not all knocked-out teeth can be saved. If your tooth is beyond rehabilitation, your dentist will discuss replacement options, like a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. They will create the customized prosthetic you need that will match your natural teeth for seamless results.
A knocked-out tooth does not have to cost you your beautiful smile. Your emergency dentist can create the strategy you need to help you through the stressful situation.
About Dr. Malcolm J. Murray
Dr. Murray earned his dental degree and completed his AEGD certification from the Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia. He has completed advanced education in various specialties, including emergency dentistry. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through his website or call his office at (703) 774-3343.
