How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth?

According to research, over 5 million teeth are knocked out yearly. If you have a knocked-out tooth, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone for good. Prompt dental care can help replant your tooth and save it. In this article, let’s learn how to save a knocked-out tooth.

How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth

Visit the Nearest Dentist or Endodontist Within 30 Minutes

The quicker you see a dental professional, the better the chances of saving your tooth. For that reason, you must see a dentist within 30 minutes. However, saving a tooth is still possible even after an hour or two. However, the sooner, the better!

In the meantime, below are practical tips to care for your tooth and mouth until you find professional care.

• Carefully pick up the tooth by the chewing surface (crown) and not the root.
• Gently rinse the tooth with water. If the tooth is dirty or bloody, use cool water to rinse it. Do not use chemicals or soaps. Also, don’t brush, scrub, or wrap the tooth in a cloth or tissue. It can cause the tooth to dry out, reducing your chances of saving it.
• Try placing the tooth back in the socket. Hold the tooth by the crown, put it back into the socket, and bite down slightly and gently. Never try to re-insert a baby tooth. Instead, take your child to a dentist immediately.
• Preserve the tooth. If unable to place the tooth back in the socket, preserve it in a glass of milk. You can also place the tooth in an emergency preservation kit like Save-a-Tooth®. Do not use regular water, as it can cause the tooth’s root cells to swell and burst.
• Carry the tooth to the dentist. Be careful not to forget the tooth.

At the Dentist

Once you get to the dentist, they will inspect the condition of your tooth to determine whether they can save it. If so, they can split the tooth by attaching it to teeth on either side for about two weeks.

If you can’t find your knocked tooth or the tooth has damage beyond saving, you can consult your dentist about replacement treatments like:

• Dental implants: A titanium screw or post is attached to the jawbone to replace the missing tooth roots. Then, a crown goes over the implant as the artificial outer tooth.
• Dental bridges: A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants.
• Dentures: It’s a removable dental appliance with artificial teeth and gums that rests over the mouth to replace missing teeth.

Contact our dentist in Weymouth, MA, for more information about tooth replacement treatments.

How to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth and Other Dental Injuries

Some dental injuries are preventable, while others may not. Below are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of dental injuries:

• Wear a mouthguard.

If you or your kid play high-impact sports and activities like football or ice skating, where there is a higher risk of injuries to the mouth, a custom mouth guard from your dentist can help prevent or reduce the impact of accidents on your mouth.

• Practice good oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove bacteria, plaque, acids, and other harmful debris from the mouth. These deposits make your teeth vulnerable to infections, decay, and fractures if not removed.

• Eat a proper diet.

Eating fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, proteins, and nuts rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Limit or avoid sugary, hard, and acidic items as they can erode your teeth, making them more susceptible to infections and fractures.

• Avoid damaging habits.

A common reason for teeth knockouts and damage is biting on something hard. Avoid chewing or biting on hard items like ice, nails, pencils, hones, and nuts to protect your teeth. Also, avoid using your teeth to open packages.

• Have routine dental visits.

Visiting your dentist for routine professional cleanings and preventive care like fluoride treatments keeps your teeth healthy and strong. Routine exams also help diagnose potential oral problems before they cause serious damage and when they are easy to treat. It makes your teeth less vulnerable to damage and infections.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in dental treatments? Or are you ready to book your next dental exam and cleaning in Weymouth, MA? Contact Weymouth Dental Associates to speak with our dentist near you.