If you're dealing with a tooth that's been knocked out, you're going to need to act fast. With the right care, your dentist may be able to save the tooth and prevent permanent loss. Here are three steps you should take to properly care for the missing tooth.
1. Stop the Bleeding
There may be a lot of blood when a tooth gets knocked out. You're going to need to stop the bleeding as soon as you can. First, wash your mouth out with cool water. The water will remove some of the blood, as well as any debris that might still be in their mouth. Next, grab some first aid gauze and wrap a few pieces up to form a small roll. Place the gauze over the area where the tooth was lost and bite down until the bleeding stops. Be sure to change gauze whenever it becomes saturated with blood.
2. Find the Tooth
Once you've stopped the bleeding, you'll need to find the missing tooth. This is important because if you can find the tooth, the dentist may be able to place it back in the socket – which can prevent permanent loss. When you find the tooth, you'll want to pick it up very carefully. Don't pick it up by the root, or you could destroy the tooth. Instead, carefully pick it up by the crown – biting edge. If the tooth is dirty, you can place the tooth in the palm of your hand and slowly pour a small amount of water over it to remove the dirt.
3. Preserve the Tooth
Now that you've found the tooth, you'll need to preserve it until you can get to the dentist. The tooth needs to stay moist, so don't dry it off. Place about a ½ cup of milk in a resealable plastic baggie and place the tooth inside. Seal the baggie and set it in a place where it won't be disturbed. If you don't have a plastic baggie, you can use a cup or plastic container. It's also important to note that you can use lukewarm water if you don't have access to milk. Keep the tooth in the liquid until you can get to the dentist.
If you or someone you know has had a tooth knocked out, there are things you can do to prevent permanent tooth loss. Use the tips provided above and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
To learn more, contact a cosmetic dentistry office like Charlottesville Dental Medicine at Forest Lakes.
Share11 November 2015
Being born with naturally soft teeth, I've spent a lot of time in and out of the dentist's office. Not only have I learned a lot about basic dental care, I've also discovered many tips for dealing with broken teeth, extractions, implants, and more. I decided that I wanted to make the most of my experience by sharing what I've learned with others. True first-hand experience is a great teacher, and I knew that my story could help. I created this site to do just that, and I hope that the information here helps you to understand what to expect from your dental problems.