Having a tooth knocked out can be both alarming and extremely stressful, but it doesn’t mean that you will have to go the rest of your life without it. By getting the dental attention you need right away, you can have your tooth replanted and it can last for many years to come. By acting quickly, you can make this a more likely possibility. Continue reading to learn which steps you should take if you have a knocked-out tooth before you can get to your emergency dentist in Midlothian.
Find Your Missing Tooth
Definitely don’t leave your missing tooth behind. You should look for it right away and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the root of the tooth because you don’t want to cause any additional damage to it by accidently applying too much pressure. This can make replanting the tooth less likely.
Clean Your Tooth
Use water to gently rinse away any visible dirt from the tooth, and do not use any soaps or chemicals. Do not dry or scrub the tooth, and don’t wrap it in a tissue or cloth. Your tooth needs to stay moist in order to be replanted by your dentist.
Put the Tooth Back in Its Place
If you are able to, place your clean tooth back in the sucked. Position it above the socket before gently pushing it in with your fingers. You will need to hold the tooth in place with either your hand or by gently biting down on it.
If you are unable to put your tooth back into its socket for one reason or another, you still need to keep it moist in another way. Either place it in your mouth next to your cheek or put it in a small container of milk. You shouldn’t be using regular tap water because the root surface cells aren’t able to handle this for an extended period of time.
See Your Emergency Dentist
You should make your way to the emergency dentist as soon as you can. You are much more likely to have your tooth saved if you can bee seen by your dentist within a half hour of the injury. However, it still may be possible for your dentist to save the tooth, even if it has been out for more than an hour.
Don’t panic if you have a knocked-out tooth. By taking the steps listed above and getting dental attention as soon as possible, you will be showing off your smile again in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Jay Oza earned his dental doctorate from New York University and is committed to continuing his education in order to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth Dental Society. If you have a knocked-out tooth, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (682) 772-3072.