According to one family dentist, just because a tooth knocked out does not mean there is no way to save it. In fact, if you lose one, you have several options. Whether knocked out in a car accident, while playing sports or due to tooth decay, do not despair. Start by looking at the tips provided and talking to your dentist.
Unfortunate things happen
Although having a tooth fall out is heartbreaking, it is not the end of the world. In fact, by following a few simple steps, there is a good chance of saving it. The last thing a person wants to do is randomly pick it up. Instead, the tooth has to be handled correctly. That alone will make a big difference in achieving success.
Handle with care
After losing a tooth, some people grab it quickly, placing it in a pocket or purse. That is not the correct way to handle it. Instead, the individual needs to gently pick it up by the crown, not the roots. The goal is to avoid touching the roots to prevent further damage. With that done, the individual can move on to the next step.
Rinsing the tooth
After picking up the tooth, an individual should rinse it. In this case, they would place a soft towel in the basin of the sink. That offers protection just in case the tooth drops. Rather than brushing or scrubbing it, a careful rinse is the only thing required. Instead of water, whole milk, saliva or a saline solution works great. For the latter, the only thing needed is a cup of water mixed with one-quarter teaspoon of salt.
A family dentist suggests putting the tooth back in its socket when it knocked out
If you have a tooth that has been completely knocked out, commonly known as avulsed tooth, immediate action can potentially increase the chances of successful reattachment. While I am an AI language model and cannot provide medical advice, I can offer some general guidance for handling a knocked-out tooth:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown: Avoid touching the root of the tooth as it can be sensitive and delicate. Handle the tooth gently by the crown (the part that is usually visible in the mouth).
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or a saline solution. Avoid using water or any soap or chemicals, as they can harm the root surface.
- Reinsert the tooth, if possible: If you feel comfortable doing so, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket. Orient it correctly, making sure the tooth is facing the right way, and gently push it back into place. Bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold the tooth in position.
- Keep the tooth moist: If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist to preserve its viability. Place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution recommended by a dentist. These solutions help keep the root cells alive until professional care is received.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately: Time is crucial in successfully saving a knocked-out tooth. Contact your family dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately to arrange an emergency appointment. They will provide further instructions and prioritize your case.
It’s important to note that not all knocked-out teeth can be reattached, especially if significant time has passed, the tooth has been handled improperly, or there is severe damage to the tooth or surrounding structures. However, attempting to reinsert the tooth and seeking professional dental care promptly can offer the best chance of saving the tooth.
Remember, this is general information, and it’s essential to consult with a dental professional for specific advice based on your individual circumstances.
Soaking the tooth
The individual needs to partially fill a zippered plastic bag with whole milk, a saline solution or saliva. Next, the tooth goes inside. It is important for people to remember this is only a temporary fix. Therefore, they need to contact a family dentist right away. By visiting a dental office quickly, there is a chance the dental professional can save the tooth.
Unsalvageable
Every family dentist shares the same goal — to save a patient’s permanent teeth. However, even with great effort, that is not always possible. In those instances, the dentist can suggest several remedies. Sometimes, the solution is to simply leave the patient without a tooth. Other times, it involves a bridge or a dental implant.
Seeing a dentist
Even when putting the tooth back in its socket, the individual needs to see a dentist quickly. As long as there is no severe damage to the root, there is a chance of saving it. The last thing someone wants to do is to do nothing. With so many advances, dental professionals can accomplish all kinds of things.
Lose a tooth?
There is no question that no one wants to have a tooth knocked out. Especially when the family dentist is out of the office. Fortunately, most dental professionals are on call. That means aid is available virtually at any time. If you had a mishap, take action as soon as possible. It could make the difference in saving your tooth.
Losing a tooth can be concerning, but there are several options available to address the situation and restore your smile. Here’s what you can do if you have lost a tooth:
- Retrieve the tooth: If possible, try to locate the lost tooth. Hold it by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or use any soap or chemicals. Place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution to keep it moist. Prompt action can increase the chances of successfully reattaching the tooth.
- Seek emergency dental care: Contact a dentist or dental professional as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of losing the tooth. They will provide guidance and, if appropriate, arrange an emergency appointment to assess the situation and discuss potential treatment options.
- Dental implant: If the tooth cannot be reattached, a dental implant may be recommended. A dental implant involves the surgical placement of an artificial tooth root (usually made of titanium) into the jawbone. After a healing period, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant, mimicking the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
- Dental bridge: If you have lost a tooth but have adjacent healthy teeth, a dental bridge may be a suitable option. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) that is anchored to the neighboring teeth with dental crowns. The bridge fills the gap left by the missing tooth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
- Removable dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that can replace one or more missing teeth. They can be either partial dentures (if some natural teeth remain) or complete dentures (if all teeth are missing). Dentures can help restore your smile, support chewing and speech, and provide a functional solution for tooth loss.
The most appropriate treatment option will depend on factors such as the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, and your personal preferences. It’s important to consult with a dentist or dental professional who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best course of action to restore your smile and maintain oral health.