There are a lot of questions that come swimming through your head the moment you got a tooth knocked out; what to do next, whether the tooth can be saved, and how to stop your mouth from bleeding. There are several things you should do in the event of this kind of dental emergency.
Tooth Knocked Out? What to Do Next
Beyond scheduling an immediate appointment with your emergency dentist in Highland, there are a few steps you should take after an injury to give yourself the best chances of saving your tooth and reducing overall damage.
Step 1: Find Your Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, the key to saving it is locating it right away. Make sure you always hold it by the crown, which is the top of the tooth. The crown is the part of the tooth that sticks out from your gums and is used to chew. Do not hold the tooth by the root, as that can cause irreversible nerve damage.
Call your emergency dentist and schedule an appointment right away. The sooner you can fix this issue, the more likely it will be that your tooth can be saved.
Step 2: Clean and Reinsert Your Tooth
If you can, very gently rinse your tooth with some water. You may also use milk if no water is available. If you can, try to put the tooth back into your mouth. Reposition it so it fits back into the socket. It may be painful, but it is necessary for saving your tooth. Bite down on a towel or cloth to hold your tooth in place while you travel to your emergency dental care center.
Step 3: Visit Your Dentist
Whether or not you are able to relocate and replace your knocked-out tooth, you need to get to the dentist right away. If you managed to put your tooth back in your mouth, the dentist may want to take X-rays to ensure it has been put back in the right position. It will then be splinted to your surrounding teeth as it heals. Eventually, it will once again be a permanent part of your mouth.
If you cannot find your knocked-out tooth, you still need to see your dentist right away. There are several options available to help you fill in the gaps between your teeth. Dentures, dental implants, and bridges may all be suitable options for you if you are dealing with a sudden or traumatic dental injury.
Find the Perfect Treatment for You
Did you manage to find and hold your tooth while you make your way to the emergency dentist? Then all you may need is a simple splint to wear for a couple of weeks. This will help your tooth fuse back with the rest of your jaw and find its place back in your mouth.
There are plenty of options for filling the space that comes from missing teeth if you are unable to find the tooth that’s been knocked out. Dentures are removable teeth that allow you the flexibility of eating and chewing. And implants serve the same function but are permanent attachments in your mouth. For less severe cases of tooth loss, a dental bridge might be used to cement a false tooth in place and fill in those dangerous dental gaps.
Learn More at East Highland Dental Office Today
East Highland Dental Office is more than just your one-stop shop for cosmetic dentistry in Highland. We also provide emergency dentistry and orthodontics services that help you get even more in-depth about your own dental health. Missing a tooth can be a traumatic event, especially after one has been knocked out of your mouth. Discuss your options for saving your tooth and look at dental replacement treatments when you get in touch with our trusted team of specialists today.