Some dental emergencies are timelier than others. For instance, if you chip a tooth and experience no pain, the situation can often be treated within 2 or 3 days. However, if you have a knocked-out tooth, you should plan to get to your dentist’s office immediately. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step process you should take if you want to try to save your tooth and smile.
Step #1: Call Your Dentist’s Office
No matter what the reason might be for your knocked-out tooth, the first step should be for you to call your dentist’s office. You will speak with a staff member about your situation and receive helpful tips to manage any pain and minimize further damage to your mouth.
They will likely tell you to come in as soon as possible. Most dentists claim that if treatment is administered within one hour, the tooth will most likely remain viable (if fully intact).
Step #2: Retrieve the Tooth
After getting off the phone with the dentist’s office, retrieve the tooth (if possible) and gently rinse off any dirt and debris. Be careful to hold the tooth only by its crown. Touching the roots can cause damage, rendering the tooth unsavable.
Step #3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth
Once the tooth is clean, you will want to keep it moist. To do this, you can reinsert it into the socket and gently bite down to hold it in place until you reach your dentist’s office. If this proves unsuccessful, you can place it in a small container of milk or saliva to keep the roots healthy until your appointment.
Step #4: Discuss Your Options
When arriving at the dentist’s office, you will be ushered back to a treatment room where the dentist will evaluate your tooth and socket area. If it appears intact and in good shape, they may try to reintegrate the tooth with the bone by placing a splint to hold it in place.
If too much time has passed or the tooth is deemed unsavable, your dentist will discuss alternative options for replacement. This may include a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.
Dealing with a knocked-out tooth can be alarming, but there is no reason to panic. By following these simple steps, you can remain in control of the situation until it’s time for your dentist to take over.
About the Practice
D&G Dental of West Orange is pleased to have multiple dentists on staff who provide exceptional service and care using advanced technologies and solutions. When a patient arrives with a dental emergency, we ensure same-day appointments when time is of the essence. We will work quickly to alleviate pain and create a custom treatment plan to repair and restore each smile to its pre-damaged state. If you or a loved one has a knocked-out tooth or another similar injury, visit our website or call (973) 731-2200 to speak to a team member.