Everyone fears losing a tooth, but no one ever expects it to happen to them. If you’re among those who don’t worry about a dental emergency, it occurs more often than you might realize. In fact, 1 in 6 Americans face one annually. While there are various issues that can happen, a knocked-out tooth is among the top situations. 5 million teeth are displaced each year, often from a sports-related injury. No matter the cause, do you know what to do if you lose a tooth? Here’s how you can save your smile without damaging a permanent tooth in Centerville.
What Do I Do If I Lose a Permanent Tooth?
Believe it or not, not all knocked-out teeth are gone for good. If you act fast, you might be able to save your tooth. You’ll need to get to your emergency dentist in Centerville within the next 30 minutes while following 5 important tips:
- Find your tooth. Look for your tooth and pick it up by the crown. Be careful not to touch the root.
- Rinse Your Tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with a saline solution, milk, or water. Do not use any soaps or cleaners, and do not dry it.
- Reinsert the tooth. Gently try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
- Preserve your tooth. If you aren’t successful reinserting your tooth, place it in a glass of milk or saline solution. Only use a glass of water as a last resort because it won’t preserve the tooth well. If these options aren’t available, you can place the tooth on the inside of your mouth between your gum and cheek.
- Call your dentist. Do not wait to see your dentist. If you don’t get the care you need quickly, you might lose your tooth.
What Do I Do If My Child Knocks Out a Tooth?
Even the primary teeth serve a purpose. If your child loses one too soon, it can impact their oral health and development. If your child has a baby tooth knocked out, contact their dentist right away. If the tooth can’t be saved, they may need a spacer to act as a placeholder for the permanent tooth.
What If the Tooth Isn’t Fully Knocked Out?
If the tooth is dislodged, gently try to push it back into place and bite on a piece of gauze to prevent it from moving.
Can I Prevent a Knocked-Out Tooth?
While you can’t fully prevent losing a permanent tooth in Centerville, you can reduce your risk of one by wearing an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. Your dentist will provide you with the custom-fit device to protect your teeth. If you lose a tooth, contact their office right away for treatment.
About Dr. Dan Passidomo
Dr. Dan Passidomo has undergone extensive training to offer many areas of specialty care, including periodontics, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, occlusion, and infection control. He strives to help the community achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. If you need an emergency dentist, he offers same-day appointments. Contact our office today!