Did you know that sources estimate that over 5 million teeth are lost every year due to sports-related injuries or other accidents? Physical trauma can cause tooth loss in children and adults alike, especially if they participate in team sports or other high-contact activities.
Wearing a mouthguard can avoid potential emergencies, but if you’ve already lost a tooth, you might not know what to do next. For instance, you might wonder whether you can put the dislodged tooth back in its socket. Continue reading to learn more about how to handle it properly!
What Steps Should I Take if a Tooth is Knocked Out?
One of the first things to do is take a deep breath to avoid panic and clear your mind so you can assess your situation. Then, do your best to find the tooth, keeping in mind it may have broken into smaller pieces that could still be in your mouth, so be careful when swallowing.
When you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown, or tooth-shaped portion, to avoid damaging cells on the roots that may still be viable. Next, you can gently rinse your mouth with water to clear any dirt, blood, leftover food, or other debris and help prevent infection. You can also gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing or using soap, which can cause further damage, before storing it somewhere safe so you’ll remember to bring it to your dental appointment.
Can I Put My Knocked-Out Tooth Back in the Socket?
Depending on what happened and the dislodged tooth’s current condition, your dentist may be able to stabilize it in your jaw so it can reintegrate with the bone. But it only remains viable outside of the mouth for about 30 to 60 minutes, so it’s imperative to act quickly.
If the tooth is relatively whole and doesn’t have sharp edges of enamel that might cut your gums, you can gently place it back in its socket and bite down gently to help hold it in place until you reach your dentist’s office.
Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Yes! A knocked-out tooth almost always necessitates an emergency visit to treat, especially if you hope to save the tooth. Thankfully, many dentists offer same-day appointments and dental sedation so that you don’t have to wait long to get the help you need and address any associated aches.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and might take X-rays or other scans to determine the extent of the damage before providing a customized treatment plan. If they can’t save your tooth, they’ll discuss possible replacement options to meet your unique needs.
About the Practice
Patients at Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry benefit from 3 providers who are passionate about helping them build beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. They are each incredibly accomplished individually, and they collaborate together to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and dental sedation, using advanced technology for more comfortable, accurate treatment results meant to last. If you have lost a tooth and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (254) 848-0240.