How to Save a Knocked Out Tooth:
Did you know the technical term for a knocked-out tooth is an “avulsed” tooth? Getting a tooth knocked out can be a very alarming and undesired emergency. When something like this happens, people fail to make the best decision in regards to saving their tooth. At Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, we care about your smile. From experience, we understand that making a wise decision in the heat of the moment is not an easy task. To ensure that you are prepared to act quickly and appropriately in the face of a tooth avulsion, we have provided you with an emergency “Tooth Survival Guide.” Included in this guide is every tip you should be aware of.
At the moment a tooth is knocked out, its root becomes unattached from the bone. The nerves, blood vessels, and supporting tissues that surround the avulsed tooth are immediately damaged. If proper action is taken, the root of the tooth can reattach itself to the bone once the tooth is put back into place.
Tooth Survival Guide:
At the moment your tooth first gets knocked out, try your best to stay calm! Your first order of business will be to find your tooth and hold it by the crown – avoid touching the root. If the tooth needs to be cleaned, very briefly run the tooth under water to rinse it off. Now, pay attention; this next part is important! Time will pass before you are able to seek medical attention for your avulsed tooth. In the meantime, there are steps you can take towards saving your tooth.
Your options for tooth revival include, but are not limited to the following:
- Replant your tooth and bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position
- Place tooth in a glass of milk
- Place tooth in saline
- Place tooth in a suitable storage medium i.e. Hank’s balanced salt solution
- Place tooth in a cup of your own saliva, or preferably, wedged in your mouth between your gums and teeth
- Place tooth in coconut water and green tea
Now, get to a dentist as soon as you can!
What Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry Will Do:
You may be wondering what to expect when you arrive at the dentist. We can assure you that the professionals here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry will pick up right where you left off. Hopefully, within the hour of your tooth loss, you will have replanted your tooth successfully. If you made it to us relatively quickly, we will replant the tooth for you. This is advised to be done within an hour of tooth loss.
One of our dentists will then examine you thoroughly and decide what is best to do for your specific situation. We may either perform a root canal treatment right away or splint the avulsed tooth to the teeth on either side. This will hold the tooth in place for several days. You will then revisit to complete the tooth-saving process and get you smiling again in no time.
Call (212)581-1091 with your questions and concerns. We are here to save the day and save your smile!
