We Can Often Assist When Somebody Knocks Out Your Tooth
Posted on 3/6/2023 by New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery |
 Stuff happens – some stuff that is not too good, such as getting a tooth knocked out during an accident. If this happens to you, we can help you and, in many instances, save the tooth.
Take Quick Action
If your tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence – literally. The sooner you resolve the problem, the better. Therefore, you cannot delay any action to save your tooth. First, pick up the tooth—by the crown or chewing surface—never by the root. Always look for the tooth immediately. Do not leave it at the site of the mishap. Hold the tooth by the crown to reduce any injury to the root.
What to Do Next
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not use any chemicals or soap when rinsing the tooth. Just use water. You do not want to scrub the tooth, dry it, or wrap it in a tissue or cloth. Instead, reposition the tooth in its socket, it possible. Remember – the sooner the knocked-out tooth is replaced, the greater its survival rate. Carefully push the tooth with your fingers into the socket with the fingers or gently bite down on it. Keep the tooth moist as well. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the socket, place it in the mouth, next to the cheek, or in milk. You might also use an emergency tooth preservation kit to maintain the tooth. Do not put the tooth in tap water for longer-term storage, as the root cells of a tooth will not stand up well in the water for any length of time.
An Emergency Visit
We consider a tooth that has been knocked out an emergency. Therefore, we should schedule you for a visit within 30 minutes of the incident – again, the sooner, the better. In turn, we will reposition and stabilize the tooth. Typically, a root canal is performed a few weeks after the trauma. We will use medication, such as calcium hydroxide, to treat the tooth, and a root canal filling will be applied.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or find out more about how to preserve a tooth that has been damaged or knocked out until you can see us.
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