Your permanent teeth are precious because they are the only set you get. If a tooth is lost, it won’t grow back. Brushing and flossing can protect against preventable issues that can lead to tooth loss, like cavities and gum disease. However, 5 million children and adults lose teeth every year from accidents or injuries. A fun day of riding bikes or a friendly game of football can quickly turn into a knocked-out tooth. Don’t panic! Not all knocked-out teeth are lost for good. Here are 5 things you should do to save your tooth.
1. Handle Your Tooth Carefully
Having a permanent tooth knocked out can be very traumatic, but calm down and assess the situation. Find your tooth and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the roots to improve your tooth’s chance of survival.
2. Gently Rinse Your Tooth
Use cool water to rinse your tooth to remove debris, but do not use any soaps or cleaners. Do not scrub or dry your tooth.
3. Reinsert Your Tooth
Carefully try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket. Bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
4. Preserve Your Tooth
If you are not successful at reinserting your tooth, it must be preserved. It’s best to place it in a saline solution, but if you don’t have any onhand, put it in a glass of milk. Tap water can harm the root cells of the tooth.
5. Get to Your Dentist Right Away
If you act fast, your dentist might be able to save your tooth. They can split it in place using the support of the adjacent teeth, allowing it to heal.
The success rate increases if you receive dental care within 30 minutes. The likelihood of rehabilitating the tooth decreases significantly after 1 hour. Contact your dentist right away and don’t forget to bring your tooth with you if you couldn’t get it back into place.
Replacing a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will discuss your replacement options, which may include:
- Dental Bridge: A bridge is the most traditional method of replacing a missing tooth. Your dentist uses an impression of your mouth to recreate the portion of your tooth above the gum line from all-ceramic material. It is held in place by bonding dental crowns to the adjacent teeth.
- Dental Implant: A dental implant is the only method to replace both the root and the crown of the tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, which will support a customized restoration that’s attached to using an abundant.
If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, don’t wait until it’s too late. Act fast to save your smile from the complications of tooth loss.
About Dr. Jason Hong
Dr. Hong achieved his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education to provide specialty services, like dental implants, Invisalign, and general dentistry. He has the qualifications and experience to treat the most complex oral health issues. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (630) 789-1555.