Each year, millions of people have a tooth knocked out due to an injury or accident. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that your tooth is lost for good. Taking the right actions quickly is a must.
Do you have a knocked-out tooth? Here’s what to do before visiting an emergency dentist to take care of your dental health.
Knocked-Out Tooth? Here’s What to Do Before Visiting an Emergency Dentist
See a dentist within 30 minutes of your dental emergency whenever possible. This way, the proper treatment can be performed, whether it’s an extraction, root canal, or a combination of procedures.
Suffering from a knocked-out tooth? Here’s what to do before visiting an emergency dentist after having a tooth dislodged is crucial.
You’ll want to take these steps immediately after your injury:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown. If you’re able to locate the tooth, wash your hands. Then, pick it up by the crown, which is the chewing surface, not the root. Be gentle when picking it up, and be sure to never touch the root.
- Rinse it with water. If the tooth has been exposed to dirt or some other type of debris, rinse it with water. Don’t use soap or any other type of chemicals. You also don’t want to scrub or dry the tooth, and don’t wrap it in any type of material.
- Place the tooth back in the socket. Put the tooth back into the socket as soon as possible. Gently push it into the socket and slowly close your mouth. Hold the tooth in place using your fingers or by softly biting down on it.
- Don’t let the tooth get dry. Make sure the tooth is moist at all times, whether it’s in your mouth or in a glass of milk. Don’t use tap water to keep the tooth moist. You can find emergency tooth preservation kits at a local pharmacy.
Come to Perfect Smiles of Reston for All of Your Dental Needs
After having a tooth knocked out, you need to see an emergency dentist immediately. To get the care you need, come to Perfect Smiles of Reston.
Call us today at 703-982-7355 to schedule an appointment.
