Dentist Tips - Saving a Tooth After an Accident

Jan 5
09:17

2012

Antoinette Ayana

Antoinette Ayana

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Get some tips on making the most of your trip to the Dentist after you have lost a tooth.

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Uh oh. That body check in hockey hit a little high. Or you watched your son fall from his gymnastic acrobats on the playground. Or maybe you slipped and fell on an icy patch in your driveway. Whatever the cause,Dentist Tips - Saving a Tooth After an Accident Articles a tooth has been knocked out and you're not exactly sure what to do. Do you keep the tooth? Should you put it in something? How soon do you need to see a dentist? Will they be able to put the tooth back in? All of these questions and more can be answered by taking the time to slowly and carefully evaluate the situation. Your future dental health may depend on it.

The first thing you should do is find the tooth. This may be easier said than done if it was knocked out on a white hockey rink or went flying beyond the immediate area. Generally, teeth are knocked out and actually stay in the mouth. It is important not to accidentally swallow or choke on the tooth. Gently pick up the tooth by the big white part and avoid touching the root if at all possible. The white enamel part is called the crown and is the strongest part of the tooth. Put it in a safe place and move on to the next step.

Next, rinse out your mouth with warm water from the tap. Evaluate the socket that the tooth popped out of to see if it is bleeding. If it continues to bleed, gently place a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the area. Rinse the tooth in a bowl of warm water without touching the root. While you are performing these steps, a family member or friend should be on the phone to the nearest dentist in your area.

Next, you should attempt to place the tooth back in the socket. This isn't always possible and may be difficult if the area is still bleeding. However, if you can place the tooth in the socket and hold it in place with a piece of gauze, there is better chance of the tooth staying healthy and viable so your dentist can save it. There are commercially available tooth saving kits that can be used to keep the tooth viable and help ensure your dental office has the best chance of saving it.

Lastly, make haste to your nearest dentist. If your regular office cannot see you or is closed, find a trauma dentist that is open late and odd hours. Time is very important. Most healthcare professionals will say that the tooth can often be saved if repair is started within an hour.

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