Did you know over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year? As a child, losing a tooth means a visit from the tooth fairy. As an adult, a knocked-out tooth is far from a pleasant experience. In fact, it is often anxiety-inducing and traumatic. Since it can happen at a moment’s notice, it is important to be aware of what to do in this situation ahead of time so you can react as calmly and quickly as possible. Read on for step by step instructions on what to do until your emergency dentistry appointment.
Locate the Missing Tooth
Amid all the chaos, it can be difficult to think of what to do next. However, priority number one is finding the missing tooth. Once you locate it, make sure to handle it with care by carefully picking it up by the crown (the chewing surface). Avoid holding the root at all costs, since that can damage the nerves and impede the possibility of saving it.
Rinse
Whether your tooth got knocked out during a game of soccer or by an accidental elbow, the tooth may be exposed to dirt, mud, and other debris until you locate it. If the tooth has become soiled, then it should be rinsed off. Again, make sure to carefully grab it by the crown before running it under a steady stream of milk or water.
Keep It Moist
To preserve the root, it must be kept moist. Ideally, you will be able to reinsert the tooth into the open socket to do so. However, if it does not easily slide back into place, then it is important not to force it. Instead, store the tooth in a small container of over-the-counter tooth-saving solution (found at the pharmacy) or a glass of milk. If neither of these options is available, then you can hold it between your gums and cheek to keep it moist and safe.
Treat the Area
When a tooth gets knocked out, bleeding and swelling are often soon to follow. To keep the area clean, rinse the blood out with warm water. From there, you can bite down gently on a piece of gauze to contain the bleeding until you get to your emergency dentist visit. If swelling starts, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. This will constrict the blood vessels, which can help numb the area, relieve swelling, and reduce pain.
About the Practice
At Donlands Family Dentistry, every member of the team is united by their mission to create a comfortable, stress-free dental experience for your whole family. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, please contact them through their website or by phone at 416-551-5224 for a emergency appointment.