If you’re a professional hockey player, having a knocked-out tooth may seem like no big deal because it’s happened to you several times through the years. For most people, however, it can be a traumatic situation.
You’re wondering how long it will take you to look like you used to once again? Can your tooth be saved? Hopefully, you were able to find it on the ground!
Keep reading for steps you can take from your dentist in Summerfield on how you should respond to a knocked-out tooth.
Pick Up Your Tooth by the Crown Instead of the Root
Find your tooth as soon as possible after the incident and be careful when you pick it up to only handle the crown aka chewing surface. Do not touch the root.
Rinse Your Tooth with Water if It Is Dirty
Gently rinse off any dirt by only using water. Be sure not to use any soap or chemicals. Also, do not scrub or dry the tooth, and don’t wrap it in a tissue or cloth.
Try to Reposition Your Tooth in the Socket When Possible
Immediately after losing it, try to place your tooth back into its socket. Gently push it in by handling the crown or position it above the socket and close your mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with your fingers or by gently biting down.
Be Sure to Keep Your Tooth Moist
Your tooth must stay moist to preserve the root surface cells, and the best way to do so is to put it back into the socket if possible. You can put it in your mouth next to your cheek, in an emergency tooth preservation kit, or even in cold, whole milk. If you regularly play sports, ask your dentist about purchasing one of these kits.
Since the root surface cells cannot tolerate water for extended periods of time, do not store your tooth in it. Keeping the tooth in your saliva is best.
Go to Your Dentist as Soon as You Can
Take your tooth with you to your emergency appointment. It’s best to see your dentist within 30 minutes of the injury, but it is possible to save a tooth even if it has been outside the mouth for more than an hour.
A tooth lost due to an accident has a 90 percent chance of being saved if the proper procedure is followed. While dealing with a knocked-out tooth is never ideal, by having a plan in place you can remain calm during a stressful situation. Also, selecting an emergency dentist before you ever have a problem is a wise choice.
About the Author
Dr. Tristian J. Parry earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University. He is currently a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is an honor less than seven percent of general dentists in the U.S. attain. He is also one of 14 general dentists in North Carolina to graduate from the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle. In his free time, Dr. Parry and his wife enjoy outdoor activities like downhill mountain bike racing, so he has given some thought to potential emergency dentistry plans. After all, the key is to prepare for the what-if situations. If you ever require an emergency dentist, know that Dr. Parry is trained to use conscious sedation and he has a caring staff and state-of-the-art technology needed to help you in those urgent times. For more information, you can visit his website or call (336) 644-2770.