A knocked-out tooth can be frightening, particularly if it occurs suddenly. Whether it results from a fall, sports accident, or mishap, rapid action can mean a great deal. If you act properly in the first hour, there’s a high likelihood that the tooth can be saved.
What to Do First
If a permanent tooth knocked out, remain calm. Attempt to locate the tooth and grasp it by the crown—the portion you generally see in your mouth. Do not handle the root, as this will harm it.
When you have the tooth, rinse it with clean water. Do not brush it or use soap. This action cleans the tooth without injuring the root tissue.
Storing the Tooth Safely
After rinsing the tooth, it should be kept moist. The best place to store it is in the socket it came from, if possible. Try placing it back in the mouth gently, making sure it’s facing the right way. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth in a container with milk or your saliva.
This serves to preserve the cells on the root, which are useful in reattaching the tooth later.
Get Help Immediately
Receiving quick knocked out tooth treatment is important. The faster you visit a dental expert, the better chance the tooth will be preserved. Time is of the essence during the first 30 to 60 minutes.
Even if you get the tooth back in yourself, you still have to go to a clinic. A dental team can ensure it’s in its correct position and that the area is healing fine.
When to Take Action
If you don’t know if the tooth is a baby or an adult tooth, just remember: baby teeth don’t have to be saved. But if it’s an adult tooth, you must act quickly. A tooth that’s replaced within the first hour has a greater likelihood of remaining healthy.
Even if you’re not experiencing a lot of pain, don’t wait. It’s always better to treat a knocked-out tooth as an emergency.
Handle With Care
Do not cover the tooth in tissue or allow it to dry. The root cells will die off rapidly if exposed to air. Keeping the tooth moist is possibly the most vital step.
It is also possible to use an emergency tooth preservation kit if this is available. These are sometimes included in sports kits or at school.
Know When to Call
You can be referred to an emergency dentist in Richmond Hill if the injury occurs during off-hours. Urgent care is provided by most clinics for this type of issue.
Phoning the clinic ahead of time allows them to get ready for your visit and provides you with information on what to do until you can be seen. This can be a great time-saver and enhance your results.
Warning Signs to Monitor After the Injury
Even after the tooth is returned, it’s a good idea to monitor for signs such as pain, swelling, or feeling loose. These may indicate the tooth isn’t healing properly. A follow-up appointment keeps things in line.
Your dental care team might recommend a soft food diet for a couple of days and gentle care when brushing and flossing.
What You Should Avoid
Do not bite on anything hard immediately after the tooth is restored. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth has been restored, and eat soft foods. Also, do not touch or move the tooth with your tongue or fingers.
Caring for the area gives the tooth every opportunity to remain in place and heal well.
What to Expect at the Clinic
When you get there, your dental care team will clean out the area and examine the tooth. They might take an X-ray to ensure everything is all right. If the tooth was handled properly and brought in promptly, there’s a greater likelihood that it can remain in position.
A splint could be applied to stabilize the tooth as it heals. You will probably be required to go back for check-ups to monitor the healing process.
Prevention Matters
Accidents do occur, but you can reduce the risk of losing a tooth by wearing mouthguards while playing sports and wearing seatbelts in automobiles. These simple precautions can save your teeth.
It’s also intelligent to understand what to do before an emergency occurs. Keep your dentist’s phone number handy and instruct your children on what to do in case they lose a tooth.
Let Us Assist You Move Quick
Here at ToothMatters Dental Care, we realize just how pressing a knocked-out tooth can be. Should you ever find yourself in need of a dentist in Richmond Hill, our staff is prepared to assist you in acting quickly and providing your tooth with the attention it requires. Whether you want instant assistance or an emergency dentist, we’re here for you. Schedule an appointment or call us if you experience a dental emergency—your smile is too precious to lose.