Take These 5 Steps to Address a Knocked-Out Tooth

A strong impact to the face, whether from a fall or involvement in a sporting event, can suddenly leave you with a dislodged tooth and dental emergency. When this happens, time is of the essence. You need to know how to stabilize the situation until you can receive restorative care from an emergency dentist in Love Field. As you continue reading, discover 5 important steps to take.

Don’t Panic

The realization that you’ve lost a tooth can initially be unnerving, but it’s important that you stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse and potentially deprive you of important steps that could aid in your recovery. Take a deep breath and assess what has happened so you can recall the valuable information you need.

#1 – Correctly Pick Up the Tooth

Once you locate the knocked-out tooth, pick it up by the crown. This is the wider portion that you chew with. Retrieving the tooth by the root could cause damage that lessens the chances of salvaging it.

#2 – Clean the Tooth

Carefully rinse the tooth under cool water to remove any debris. If there is any tissue attached, you’ll want to keep it in-tact, as a dentist may be able to use it to help reattach the tooth.

#3 – Attempt to Reinsert the Tooth

If possible, reposition the tooth in its correct place. Gently press on it using your fingers, being careful not to force it. If it won’t fit, don’t fret. It’s better to leave the reattachment to a dentist than cause an additional injury.

#4 – Safely Store the Tooth

The roots of the tooth secure it to the jawbone. Thus, if a tooth dislodges and you’re not able to reinsert it, it’s important to preserve the roots as best as possible. You can accomplish this by soaking the tooth in a cup of milk. This helps to prevent the cells on the root surface from bursting. If you don’t have milk, use saline solution instead.

#5 – Contact an Emergency Dentist

Typically, you have a two-to-three-hour window to have a dislodged tooth successfully reattached. Therefore, it’s important to call an emergency dentist within minutes of your tooth being knocked out. The sooner you can get in for a visit, the better your chances are of a full recovery.

For any immediate discomfort you’re experiencing, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or Aleve) and apply ice to the outside of your face to reduce any swelling. These steps will help to stabilize the situation until you can be examined.

In addition to restoring your knocked-out tooth, an emergency dentist can advise on how to prevent the same situation in the future. For example, if you participate in any type of sporting activity, it may be suggested that you have a custom mouthguard made. With your dental health fully restored and the right safety measures taken, you can confidently get back to leading a normal life.

About the Author

No matter what type of dental emergency you may be experiencing, you can count on the professionals at Bear Creek Family Dentistry to provide expert and competent care. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.