It's A Knock-Out: Tips For Dealing With A Knocked-Out Tooth

When it comes to emergency dental work, few things are as concerning as having one of your teeth knocked out. No matter how it happens, getting care right away is important. The sooner you see your dentist, the greater your chances will be of restoring that tooth. Here's a look at some of the things you should know to avoid damaging the tooth or your chances of repair.

Don't Wrap The Tooth In Anything

You might be tempted to wrap the tooth up in a paper towel or something similar to get it to the dentist. Doing so will actually introduce lint and dirt to the tooth, which may contaminate it and prevent it from being put back into place. Instead, protect the tooth by handling it solely from the crown so that you don't damage the root with the oils from your skin. Rinse it under cold, clean water to get rid of any dirt, debris or lint that may already be on it or contaminating the root. Once you're sure it's clean, place it in a glass of milk or in a tooth preservation container if you have one on hand. Since most people don't keep preservation kits on hand, milk is usually the safest and most accessible option.

Call An Emergency Dentist Right Away

You need to call an emergency dentist right away if you want to salvage the damaged tooth. The emergency dentist will help you to position the tooth where it belongs in an attempt to restore it. In some cases, the tooth may need to be splinted in place to keep it there. It can take a couple of weeks or more for the root to secure itself in place enough to remove the splint. You'll probably be advised to schedule a root canal for that tooth as well. This will remove the root so that you don't risk developing an infection around the root and gums or any long-term damage from the injury.

With the information here, you'll be able to address a lost tooth quickly. This improves the chances of success significantly. Your emergency dental clinic may also have other instructions to help with the healing process, so make sure that you listen to your discharge instructions carefully. While you're waiting for the tooth to heal, be careful about any impact on the area. If that tooth gets hit again, it could cause more extensive damage.