If you've had an accident and one of your teeth has been knocked out, you may already know that you may be able to save the tooth and have a dentist reinsert it into its hole. If all goes well, your tooth will then embed itself again.
While this procedure can work, there are certain circumstances that may affect whether your emergency dental appointment is successful or not. Which factors influence the success or failure of reinserting your tooth?
Act Now, Don't Wait
While a tooth may be able to be reinserted by a dentist, you must act fast. The tooth stands the best chances of being inserted back successfully if you can get it in its socket within 20 minutes. Your best chances of success come if you can see a dentist immediately.
Tip: If possible, put the tooth back in its socket yourself as soon as you can after it is knocked out. You still need to see a dentist urgently; however, this may help save the tooth.
Don't Let the Tooth Dry Out
If the tooth dries out, then the cells that keep it alive and that will help it regrow into your mouth may die. If this happens, you'll lose the tooth. If you can't temporarily reinsert the tooth into its socket, you should try to keep the cells moist until you and your tooth can get dental help. Try putting the tooth in your saliva or some milk — this helps keep the cells alive.
Tip: If you don't have a suitable container to store the tooth in before you see your dentist, you can store it in the side of your mouth. This will keep it bathed in saliva — just be careful not to knock the tooth or swallow it!
Don't Handle the Tooth Too Much
You may need to handle the tooth when you retrieve it and decide what to do with it before your dental appointment. Try not to handle the tooth at the parts that go into the gum, but hold it by its biting edges. If you touch the part of the tooth that attaches to your mouth, the root, you may damage and kill the cells you need to keep the tooth alive.
If you lose a tooth when your dentist's office is closed, don't wait until it reopens to make an appointment. If your dentist doesn't have an emergency service or isn't contactable out of hours, find an emergency dentist.
Share21 November 2016
As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!
