So You Knocked Out Your Tooth. Now What?

A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a dental emergency that occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket in the jawbone due to trauma or injury. This can happen as a result of accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical altercations. When a tooth is knocked out, it can cause pain, bleeding, and potential damage to surrounding tissues and structures.

A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt attention from a dentist in Murfreesboro TN. If the tooth can be reimplanted into its socket within a short period of time and appropriate dental care is provided, there may be a chance of saving the tooth. However, if the tooth is not reinserted or treated promptly, it may become damaged or infected, and permanent tooth loss may occur.

It's essential to seek emergency dental care immediately if you or someone else experiences a knocked-out tooth. Time is of the essence, and the sooner the tooth is reimplanted and treated, the better the chances of saving the tooth and preserving oral health.

So You Knocked Out Your Tooth. Now What?

If you've knocked out a tooth, it's essential to act quickly and follow these steps to increase the chances of saving the tooth:

1. Retrieve the Tooth:Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the white, visible part) and avoid touching the root (the bottom part). Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.

2. Reinsert the Tooth: If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately. Hold the tooth in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze pad. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way (the same way it was before it was knocked out).

3. Keep the Tooth Moist:If you're unable to reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution. Avoid storing the tooth in water, as this can damage the delicate cells on the root surface.

4. Seek Emergency Dental Care:Contact your dentist in 37129 or visit an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes of the injury. Time is critical for successful reimplantation of the tooth, so prompt treatment is essential.

5. Protect the Tooth: While transporting the tooth to the dental office, handle it gently and avoid touching the root. Keep the tooth moist at all times and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or drying out.

6. Receive Treatment: Your dentist will assess the tooth and determine the best course of action based on the extent of the injury and the condition of the tooth. Treatment options may include reimplantation, splinting, root canal therapy, or extraction, depending on the severity of the injury.

7. Follow Post-Treatment Instructions: After receiving treatment, follow your dentist's post-treatment instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

Remember that time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth, so act quickly and seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. With prompt treatment and proper care, there's a chance that the tooth can be saved and restored to its natural function and appearance. Call us to learn more.

Need to schedule a dental examination? Contact Dentist in Murfreesboro TN today!