Dental Emergency: Knocked out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket in the jaw due to an injury or accident. It may have been knocked out by a blow to the face, a sports injury, or biting down on something hard.
Dental emergencies involving a knocked-out tooth are fairly common, especially in children. Depending on the severity of the injury, a dentist at Valley Wide Dental may be able to restore your tooth back to its socket or provide alternative treatments, such as a root canal or crown.
Causes of a knocked-out tooth
- Trauma to the face or mouth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Enamel erosion
- Poor dental hygiene
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Teeth misalignment
- Congenital defects
Dental emergencies involving a knocked-out tooth can be a scary and overwhelming experience. It is vital to act quickly in order to save the tooth and minimize any further damage. Here are a few steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation:
- Collect the knocked-out tooth and rinse it with water, making sure not to scrub or handle it too much. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it. If this isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva until you can get to the dentist.
- Apply gauze or a wet cotton ball to control any bleeding from your gums or mouth. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek, jaw, or lips that are closest to where the tooth was lost.
- Contact your dentist at Valley Wide Dental immediately and explain exactly what has happened. Your dentist will be able to provide specific guidance on how best to proceed with treatment. Depending on how long after losing your tooth you contact your dentist, there may still be a chance for them to save it by reimplanting it in its original position in your mouth.
- Take pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling.
A dental emergency involving a knocked-out tooth can be a frightening experience. It is important to stay calm and act quickly to increase the chance of saving the tooth. Knowing what to do in such an emergency can help you respond appropriately and efficiently.
If you or someone you know experiences a knocked-out tooth, the most important thing is to take action quickly. At Valley Wide Dental, our team of dentists are here to provide you with the highest quality of emergency care and to help restore your tooth back to its socket or provide alternative treatments. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you find yourself in this situation.
