Ouch. If you are involved in contact sports, you may have lost a tooth in the past. Accidents and trauma can also cause teeth to fall out, which can feel traumatic, even frightening. The good news is that with swift action, and restorative treatment, your lost tooth might actually be able to be saved, which is good for both your comfort and your confidence. There are simply some important steps to be taken, if you want to try to save your knocked out tooth, prevent further dental problems, and to restore your oral health.
Be Careful With the Tooth
If you have lost a tooth, the first thing you should do is gently pick it up, or take it out of your mouth, by the side of the tooth, taking care not to touch the tooth’s root. You should then gently rinse it clean in warm water. That said, it’s important not to scrub or brush it, since this can cause damage to the otherwise healthy tooth roots.
Instead, once your tooth has been cleaned, you can either put it back into the socket, if possible, place it in the side of your mouth where saliva can help keep it healthy, or place it in a container of fresh milk, which helps to preserve the root.
(If your young child has lost a tooth, it may be best to simply put it in milk, so he or she doesn’t accidentally swallow it.)
See the Dentist ASAP
You will want to see your restorative dentist as soon as possible, since the possibility of saving the tooth lessens as time passes. If possible, it’s best to see the dentist within 30 minutes of the tooth loss. However, teeth can often be saved within an hour of their loss.
Need to Schedule Preventive Care?
Preventive treatment is an important way to protect your teeth against cavities, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Contact Dr. Okoniewski by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820 to schedule your next preventive dental visit.
