Children aren’t the only ones who can lose teeth. If you fall, run into something, or experience another kind of accident and a permanent tooth falls out, what should you do? If you act fast, your tooth can be saved. Here are several steps you can take to preserve your tooth if it falls out.
Before you do anything else, make sure you don’t have more serious injuries. You should call 911 or visit the emergency room immediately if there’s a chance you have a concussion or other serious injury.
1. Pick up the lost tooth
Right after your tooth gets knocked out, try to find it and pick it up by the crown, not the root. Be careful and gentle with the tooth so that you don’t damage it. If there is dirt or debris on the tooth, rinse it gently with running water only. Do not scrub the tooth or use anything other than water to clean it.
2. Replace or store the tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and, if possible, put the tooth back into its correct socket. To keep it in place, bite down on gauze. The sooner you can replace it, the more likely the tooth will survive. If you can’t place the tooth back in the socket, put it in a cup of whole milk or between your cheek and gums. It’s important to keep the tooth moist at all times.
3. See your oral surgeon or dentist as soon as possible
Bring your tooth to Athens Oral Surgery Center as soon as possible. If it is possible to save the tooth, Dr. Tomlinson will splint it by wiring or bonding your teeth together to hold the loose tooth in place. If your tooth is damaged beyond repair, you have a few options for replacing it, including dental implants or a bridge.
If your tooth gets knocked out, contact Athens Oral Surgery Center as soon as possible by calling 706-549-5033.