Finding yourself in a dental emergency can be a worrying experience. It can leave you panicked and overwhelmed in any situation. This is especially true if a tooth has come out after an accident. However, knowing what to do and acting fast can help ensure you have a higher chance of saving it. Keep reading to learn how to handle a knocked-out tooth and what your dentist can do to help.
What to Do After Knocking Out a Tooth
The first thing you should do is try your best to stay calm. Take a breath and then do these to increase your odds of salvaging your tooth:
- Find your tooth and pick it up by the crown. This is the side that you chew on, but try your best not to touch the roots. Doing so can cause damage and lower your chance of saving it.
- Rinse it with plain water. Do not use anything else or scrub it. Keep it wet, making sure it doesn’t dry out, so avoid wrapping it in a tissue or cloth.
- Put your tooth back in. You may be able to push it back into the socket and then carefully bite down to keep it there.
- Place it in milk. There might be a chance that you aren’t able to take the step above. Do this instead, or you can keep it in your mouth, between your cheek and gums. If you do the latter, try not to swallow it by accident.
- Visit your emergency dentist immediately. To give yourself the best shot of success, visit them within 30 to 60 minutes of it happening. If you wait too long, then it reduces your chances of saving it.
Can My Dentist Save My Tooth?
Depending on what your dentist finds, they may be able to salvage your tooth. If it’s possible, they will put it back in and use a split to keep it in place. However, there is a chance that it cannot be saved. Although you may be worried about a gap in your smile, your provider may offer some other treatment instead. A dental implant or bridge might be recommended as a reliable solution, but they’ll talk to you if it’s right for you.
Although a knocked-out tooth can be a stressful experience, remember these steps above. Stay calm and do them right away; that way, you can keep your smile the best it can be.
About the Practice
At Dental Designs of Maryland, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists. Our goal is to give the Hanover community the best care they deserve, especially during dental emergencies. We have same-day appointments, so you can get relief from these urgent situations as soon as possible. If you accidentally knocked out a tooth, the fastest way to contact us is by calling our office at (443) 936-2899.