If you are faced with a sudden dental emergency and you don’t know what to do to stop the pain, bleeding, or discomfort, the first thing you should do is get in touch with your emergency dentist in Cedar Rapids. Our professionals will help you figure out exactly how to act quickly after knocked-out teeth from an injury. It is important that you act fast, since you can possibly restore your tooth if it is in good condition. But when you are faced with a dental emergency, it can be difficult to figure out what to do in the heat of the moment. There are a few more steps to follow beyond just arranging an appointment with your Rapids Dental team. If you are in a pinch, don’t panic! Here’s what to do.
How to Act Quickly After Knocked-Out Teeth
Step 1: Find the Tooth!
When your tooth is entirely knocked out, try to retrieve it as fast as you can – as long as you can do so safely. Always handle the tooth by its crown, which is the top part that protrudes from the gums and is used for chewing. Avoid touching the root to prevent irreversible nerve damage since the roots are incredibly sensitive. You could put the tooth in a glass of milk to keep it intact on your way to the dentist. Don’t forget to call your dental expert right away!
Step 2: Clean and (Possibly) Reinsert Your Tooth
If your tooth is intact after falling out, there is still hope if you act as fast as you can. Typically, you can save your tooth if you put it in milk within 5 minutes of it falling out. Gently rinse the dislodged tooth with water or milk if water is not available. You can attempt to reinsert the tooth back into its socket, making sure to position it exactly as it was before. This might hurt, but it’s essential for saving the tooth. You can even bite down on a cloth or towel to hold the tooth in place while traveling to the emergency dental care center.
Step 3: Visit Your Emergency Dentist ASAP
Whether you successfully reinserted the tooth or not, prompt dental attention is crucial to getting the dental treatment you need. The most important thing, even more important than saving your tooth, is maintaining good oral health. If you managed to reposition the tooth in your mouth, the dentist may conduct X-rays to confirm a correct placement. The tooth will then be splinted to neighboring teeth during the healing process, eventually reattaching itself on its own.
If you cannot find the knocked-out tooth, you still need to see your emergency dental expert right away. You can invest in a number of treatments that will help you fill any and all gaps left by your missing teeth. Dentures, implants, crowns, and bridges are all viable options for patients dealing with a dental emergency.
Step 4: Follow-Up on Your Treatment
If you were able to retain and hold the tooth while reaching the emergency dentist, a simple splint may suffice for a few weeks. Otherwise, you may need to schedule a series of appointments for full dental restoration.
In cases where the knocked-out tooth is lost, options such as dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges can replace the missing tooth effectively. Dentures offer removable teeth for flexibility in eating and chewing. And implants serve as a permanent type of denture that you keep in your mouth. For less severe tooth loss, a dental bridge can cement a false tooth in place to fill the dental gaps. This can help you prevent further bone deterioration.
Explore Your Options at Rapids Dental Today
Rapids Dental isn’t just your go-to destination for cosmetic dentistry. We also extend our dentist services to emergencies, repairs, and orthodontics. These procedures delve deeper into your dental health concerns to give you the best chances for success. A knocked-out tooth can be a distressing event, especially when pain and discomfort are involved. Connect with our reliable team of specialists today to discuss strategies for preserving your tooth and explore dental replacement solutions right away.