Accidental Tooth Loss.
Every year in Canada almost 1.5 million people experience accidental tooth loss. We are a nation that plays hard. Accidental tooth loss happens while playing almost any sport. It can also happen in simple, unexpected situations when you least expect it. Therefore, it can happen to you. So, what should you do when you get a tooth knocked out? Can you save it?
The most important thing to keep in mind when this happens is that you have a limited window of time to act. If possible, get to the nearest dentist within 30 minutes of tooth loss and remember the following tooth saving tips along the way.
Tooth Saving Steps
Work quickly to find the missing tooth. Pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root. Handling the root of the tooth can kill delicate root cells that need to be alive to re-attach. If the tooth was contaminated by dirt, gently rinse it with room temperature water if possible. Never use soap or chemicals. Do not scrub or dry the tooth. For safe transport wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or tissue. It is important to keep the tooth moist as much as possible but remember that root cell surfaces can not tolerate tap water for extended periods of time.
The best way to keep moist is to put it back where it belongs. Therefore, if possible, and if clean from contaminates, try placing the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible. Holding the tooth by the crown gently push it in with your fingers. You can also hold it above the opening with your fingers and bite down slowly to push it in place. Only do this if the tooth and root are whole and no pieces of the root system are missing.
Erbsville Dental, Waterloo Is Here For You
Having a tooth knocked out that can be reinserted is considered an emergency. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown Erbsville Dental will open for this situation. Call (519) 342-1166 immediately and try to get to Dr. Mathews within 30 minutes. Tooth reattachment can be successful up to an hour or more after being outside the mouth, but the sooner you see a dentist the better chance of success. If the tooth can not be saved there are other options. See information on Dental Implants, Crowns and Bridges on our website, under Dental Treatments.
