Accidents can happen at any time of the day and can cause damage to the tooth. It is important to be vigilant about the next action in order to save the tooth. Listed below are the criterion that needs to be followed to save the tooth.
Pick up the tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown. It is important to not touch the root of the tooth. Rinse the tooth with water if the root is dirty.
Rinse it off
After you clean the tooth, gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub the tooth. This could cause further damage and delay treatment.
Hold the tooth by the top, not the root (bottom). Avoid touching the root of the tooth, which may still be exposed. Try to gently place the tooth back in its socket or place it between your gums and cheek. If it does not work out, go to the next step.
Place it in milk or saliva
If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or saliva. Within 30 minutes, visit the emergency dentist. The sooner a dentist can reattach the tooth, the more likely it will reattach successfully.
Prepare for dental surgery
Once a dentist confirms a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to keep the area clean and free from dust. You can use a soft damp cloth, but avoid touching the roots.
Once the tooth has been put back in place, your dentist will likely apply a splint to protect the tooth. The splint will help keep the tooth in place and reduce the risk of it moving.
Get back to normal activities
If you are playing contact sports, be sure to wear a mouthguard. Additionally, you should avoid eating hard or crunchy foods. When you bite into something hard, it can damage the enamel on your teeth.
You should also avoid chewing on hard items such as ice or pens. When your tooth has been knocked out, it is extremely important to go see your dentist right away. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment. That way, you can get your tooth fixed and reduce the risk of complications.
Call us at (801) 716-7006, request an appointment online, or walk into our office at 11576 S State St Suite #1201, Draper, UT 84020. Our team of doctors, hygienists, and coordinators will ensure you get the best care.