When you experience a knocked-out tooth, you really shouldn’t panic. After all, it’s possible to treat and restore your smile! You’ll just need to visit an emergency dentist for help. However, you’ll have to follow the proper steps for your situation first. If you don’t, treatment might not go as smoothly as it would otherwise. Luckily, your Harrisonburg dental practice knows what to do. Read on to learn five steps to take for fixing your knocked-out tooth.
Act Quickly (Within 30 Minutes)
Before anything else, keep in mind that you should act quickly. Your tooth could be saved if you bring it to your dentist within thirty minutes of the injury. In contrast, longer response times reduce the chance that your natural pearly white can be part of your smile again.
Find & Pick Up the Tooth
Now, try and locate the tooth you’ve lost. You don’t want to leave it at the site of your accident!
When you find it, pick it up by the crown — its chewing surface. Handling it by the root could cause damage that makes saving it unlikely.
If Necessary, Rinse It
The next thing to do is rinse away any dirt on the tooth. Make sure not to use soap or chemicals during this process.
When you finish with the rinse, don’t dry the tooth either.
Keep It Moist at All Times
To keep the tooth viable, you should keep it moist at all times. You could do this by putting it in your mouth, in milk, or in an emergency kit.
Whatever you do, don’t place the tooth in water. Root surface cells can’t tolerate the liquid for extended periods.
Put the Tooth in the Socket (if Possible)
Before seeing a dentist for treatment, try to put the tooth back in its socket. Push it with your fingers by handling the crown, or position it nearby and close your mouth slowly. While you wait on your appointment, hold the tooth in lace with your fingers or by biting on it.
Remember, your knocked-out tooth could be part of your smile again. Use the steps above so that the restoration treatment goes pretty well.
About the Practice
Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is based in Harrisonburg, VA, and provides comprehensive dental care. Its staff specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for all ages and backgrounds! In particular, they’re highly skilled with dental prosthetics thanks to CEREC restoration technology. As necessary, the practice can also perform emergency dental treatments. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (540)-432-6616.