Most people don’t give much thought to what to do in the case of a knocked-out tooth until it happens to them. There are several ways that a tooth may be knocked out. The most common reasons are a sudden impact to the face due while playing sports or during a vehicle accident. Other reasons a tooth may come out is because it is loose due to decay or gum recession or if you bite down on something that is chewy or hard- or something you shouldn’t be chewing on at all.
However, no matter how your tooth comes out, Dr. Afroz Burges, D.D.S, P.A. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry considers this to be a dental emergency. In this article, we will explain what to do in case you have a tooth knocked out.
A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a dental emergency that occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to a traumatic injury or accident. This can happen to people of all ages, and can be caused by a variety of incidents, such as falls, sports-related injuries, car accidents, and physical altercations.
A knocked-out tooth can be a painful and distressing experience, and it is important to seek prompt dental attention to increase the chances of successfully saving the tooth. In some cases, immediate action can even help to re-implant the tooth back into its socket, preserving it for long-term dental health.
If the tooth is a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown- do not touch the root. If it’s dirty, either lick it clean or quickly rinse it in cold water for less than 10 seconds. If possible, stick it back in the socket. If not, you can:
If it does go back in, bite gently on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place until you can get to the dentist.
If you have a baby tooth knocked out, do not place it back in the socket, as it could damage the underlying permanent tooth.
Place the tooth in a container with a small amount of saliva or milk and bring it with you to the dentist.
If you are able to get the tooth back in the socket, Dr. Burges will check to make sure it is in the right place. If it is not, she will move it.
If you brought the tooth in a separate container, it will be cleaned and put back in if possible. Then, the teeth on either side will be splinted to hold the loose tooth in place. In a few weeks, you’ll return to have the splint removed.
If you are unable to locate the tooth or the dentist cannot save it, we can replace it with a dental implant.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, you need to seek treatment right away in order to save the tooth. When you are in or near Pearland, contact Dr. Afroz Burges, D.D.S, P.A. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for emergency dentistry services. Dr. Burges has the experience and expertise to perform a variety of dental services, including saving your knocked-out tooth.
We understand that a dental emergency can happen at any time of the day or night, so you can be sure that we will be here for you anytime you need us.
