What To Do When Your Tooth Is Knocked Out
Introduction
When a tooth is knocked out, it can be a traumatic experience and an emergency dental situation. Knowing what to do in the instance of a knocked-out tooth can make all the difference in saving the tooth and preventing further damage. This article outlines the steps you should take when your tooth is knocked out and will provide advice regarding finding emergency dental care near you.
What to do when Your Tooth Is Knocked Out
1. Retrieve the Tooth.
If possible, retrieve the tooth and handle it by the crown (the white part of the tooth). Do not scrub or clean off any attached tissue fragments. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in lukewarm water and try not to touch the root.
2. Re-Implant the Tooth.
If possible, re-implant the tooth to its socket as soon as possible and keep it in place with your finger or cloth until you can get to an emergency dentist office. Don’t worry if you can’t re-implant the tooth, it is still possible to save the tooth.
3. Preserve the Tooth.
If you are unable to re-implant the tooth, put the tooth into the container of salt water until you get to an emergency dentist office and preserve as much of the root structure as possible.
4. Find Emergency Dental Care Near You.
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to preserve your tooth, it is time to find emergency dental care near you. It is important to call ahead and make sure the dentist can accommodate your needs as soon as possible.
Those are the immediate steps that you should take when a tooth is knocked out. You will still need to seek emergency dental care to address the issue.
Finding Emergency Dental Care Near You
There are several ways to find emergency dental care near you. The following are a few tips to help you find the right facility for your needs:
1) Online search
When you need urgent dental care, an online search is the quickest way to find a provider near you. Start by searching for “emergency dentist” or “dental emergency” and include your city or zip code in the search term. This will help narrow down the list of providers and make it easier to find one that meets your needs.
2) Search for Reviews
Once you have a list of possible providers, look them up online and read reviews from past patients. This can provide insight into the quality of care that each facility offers and help you make an informed decision on where to seek treatment.
3) Ask Your Primary Care Dentist
If you have an established primary care dentist, contact them to see if they can recommend a facility for emergency dental care near you. This option is especially helpful if you need the same type of treatment that your primary dentist offers.
4) Call Your Insurance Provider
If you have dental insurance, call your provider and ask for a list of in-network emergency dentists in your area. This is a great way to save money on services and ensure that you are getting quality care from an experienced professional.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss
There are several ways to reduce the risk of tooth loss, here are eight tips for preventing tooth loss:
1) Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will help keep your teeth healthy and prevent bacterial build-up. Regular dental checkups can also help maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
2) Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks
Limiting sugary foods and drinks will help reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health problems.
3) Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, ice, or sticky candy can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth and lead to a higher risk of tooth loss.
4) Wear a Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or other activities can reduce the risk of tooth trauma. Make sure to have your mouthguard fitted by a dentist for optimal protection.
5) Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco
Smoking and tobacco use are linked to an increased risk of tooth loss. Quitting these habits will help reduce the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.
6) Take Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy, so taking a supplement can help reduce the risk of tooth loss.
7) Avoid Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Teeth grinding or clenching can cause enamel wear and damage to the teeth, leading to a higher risk of tooth loss. If you struggle with these habits, talk to your dentist about preventive measures that can be taken.
8) Wear a Nightguard
If you suffer from chronic dry mouth or snore frequently at night, wearing a nightguard can help protect your teeth from damage.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of tooth loss and ensure that your smile remains healthy for years to come. However, if you do experience a dental emergency such as a knocked out tooth, it is important to take immediate action and seek emergency dental care right away.
Reasons to Seek Emergency Dental Care
When you experience a dental emergency such as a knocked out tooth, it is important to seek urgent medical care right away. Here are some of the most common reasons to seek emergency dental care:
1) Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If you can find the tooth, carefully rinse it off and place it in a cup or container of milk or saliva. Then, seek treatment right away to ensure that the tooth can be reinserted if possible.
2) Severe Toothache
If you are experiencing a severe toothache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, seek urgent dental care. This could be a symptom of an infection or other serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible.
3) Broken Tooth
If you experience a broken or cracked tooth, it should be treated by a dentist right away to prevent further damage.
4) Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, seek treatment right away to avoid further dental problems.
5) Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and should be treated promptly.
Conclusion
When you experience a dental emergency, it is important to seek urgent treatment right away. This will help reduce the risk of further damage and ensure that your smile remains healthy for years to come. Finding emergency dental care near you can be difficult, but doing some research ahead of time can save you time and money on services and ensure that you are getting the best possible care. With these tips in mind, you can be prepared for any dental emergency that comes your way and ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.