A sudden blow to your face or jaw could knock out one of your teeth. If this ever happens, you may not be sure what the right next steps are. Do you need to call your emergency dentist? Or can you solve the problem on your own simply by putting the tooth back in its socket? Making the right decision quickly could be the key to ensuring that your tooth can be saved. Here’s a closer look at what to do if a tooth is ever knocked out of your mouth.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Put Back in Its Socket?
In many cases, you can indeed put a knocked-out tooth back in its socket. Bear in mind, though, that this alone will not solve the problem. Only a trained dentist can ensure that the tooth is placed in a way that will allow it to join with the jawbone again while also keeping the chances of an infection occurring to a minimum.
That being said, while putting the tooth back in its socket on your own is not a permanent solution, it can still be beneficial. For one thing, it can go a long way toward keeping the tooth safe until you can get the treatment you need. Additionally, it can also provide some protection for any nerves or bone tissue that became exposed when the tooth was lost.
Bear in mind, though, that the state of the tooth will determine whether you can put it back in its socket. Check to make sure that there aren’t any jagged edges that might injure the soft tissues inside your mouth.
What are the Exact Steps You Should Follow If a Tooth is Knocked Out?
A tooth that has been knocked out of your mouth will only remain viable for a very short amount of time. Thus, your first step should always be to call your dentist and schedule an emergency appointment. You should ideally make arrangements to get to their office within an hour.
After an appointment has been made, you will need to focus on taking the necessary steps to preserve the tooth. Pick it up by the end used for chewing; avoid touching the root so that you don’t damage any still-living cells. Gently rinse off any debris with water. Then you can either put the tooth back in its socket or store it in a container filled with milk or saline solution.
Time is of the essence when a tooth is knocked out. By acting quickly and following the right steps, you can maximize your chances of saving the tooth and keeping your natural smile intact.
About the Author
Dr. Haroon Randhawa has more than two full decades of dental experience. He studied dentistry at New York University and has completed advanced education in a variety of specialty subjects. He’s able to provide same-day appointments for patients who have suffered from knocked-out teeth and other dental emergencies. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Randhawa at Downtown Dental in Allen, visit our website or call (972) 727-7269.