If your tooth comes loose and is knocked out of your mouth, it’s important to know that it isn’t the end of the world. Your dentist might be able to put it back into the socket from whence it came. However, you’ll have to act fast to give yourself the best chance of a successful salvage – 30 minutes fast, to be precise!
Fortunately, the process for effectively handling this dental emergency can be narrowed down to five simple steps. Keep reading so you can know what to do.
#1. Search for Your Tooth
It’ll be hard to put your lost tooth back where it came from if you don’t have it! Do your best to locate the ejected pearly white. If you manage to find it, do not pick it up by its roots. Dental roots are delicate, yet vital for reattaching your tooth to your gums. Instead, gently lift it from its chewing surface (a.k.a. the crown), and carefully clean off any dirt with a weak stream of water.
#2. Put It Back or Safely Store It
Sometimes patients can restore their natural tooth themselves by carefully inserting it in the socket and slowly biting down. If you want to give that a try, hold your bite for about 20 minutes, then call your emergency dentist so they can check on your tooth. Otherwise, secure your pearly white in a reliable container with a small pool of milk or saliva.
#3. Rinse Your Mouth
Next, give your mouth a quick rinse with warm water. Besides helping to clear away any blood or debris, this will also help wash out harmful bacteria that could infect your empty socket.
#4. Control Any Bleeding
You can staunch your wound with gauze or a soft cloth or towel. Any of these items will do the trick, but you might want to run them through water first. If the material is dry, it will probably hurt when you pull it away from the bleeding area.
#5. Schedule An Emergency Dental Appointment
Once you’ve taken care of your first-aid needs, it’s time to call your dentist and request an emergency appointment. Most have same-day appointments available for cases like these, and given that it’s best to reinsert a lost tooth within 30 minutes, they’ll likely want to see you as soon as possible. From there, all you have to do is arrive to your emergency appointment, give your dentist your pearly white, and let them take care of you.
A knocked-out tooth can be alarming, especially when you know it’s important to handle the situation carefully yet quickly. But when all is said and done, it simply comes down to a five-step process. Remember this, and you’ll be ready should you ever experience this dental emergency!
About the Practice
Dr. Angela Courtney and Dr. Christy Cox are proud to serve Upper Arlington and neighboring areas with exceptional dental care and quality emergency dentistry services. Both have extensive training in dental emergencies, ensuring you’ll be in good hands during your treatment. To contact their office and request a same-day emergency appointment, call 614-451-7393.