No one ever expects to sustain a knocked-out tooth, but this could be deemed as one of the more common dental emergencies in Charleston, WV. Knowing what to do if one of your teeth is knocked out of pits socket can mean the difference in if the tooth can be saved. Take a look at the most important steps to take if one of your teeth is dislodged from its socket.
1. Retrieve the Tooth if Possible
If you can get your tooth back into place in its socket—even loosely—within five minutes, the tooth has the best chance of survival. The tooth still has a good rate of survival if you can get it back in place within an hour. Locate the tooth if at all possible, even if you have to enlist the help of several people to find it.
2. Clean the Tooth Gently and Place It
Once the tooth is found or if you already have it, pick the tooth up by the tooth and not the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it quickly with tap water. Avoid the temptation to scrub the tooth or rub it briskly in your hands as you wash.If possible, place the tooth back in the socket.
3. Contact the Dentist Immediately
Whether you can get the tooth back in the socket or not, contact a local dentist. Let them know the situation and that you need to be seen right away.
4. Prepare the Tooth for Transit If Necessary
If you were unable to place the tooth in the socket, you can either hold it in your mouth between your gum and cheek or place it in a small container or bag with milk—don’t use tap water. This keeps the tooth moist, so the fibers attached to the root survive.
Find Emergency Dental Care in Charleston, WV
When a tooth is knocked out, every minute can be critical. The longer the tooth is out of your mouth, the more it can be prone to being a total loss. Therefore, if you need help with a dislodged tooth, be sure to reach out to a dentist in Charleston, WV that offers emergency dental services like us here at the office of Dr. Michael J. Tupta, DDS.