Carrie’s 12-year old daughter was happily playing in the back yard with the neighborhood kids. She could hear the gleeful sounds of laughter coming through the open window. Suddenly, the lighthearted mood changed. Her daughter had fallen onto the driveway and knocked out one of her front teeth. Her daughter came running in, mouth bleeding, holding her knocked out tooth in her hand. Her mouth was already beginning to swell. Carrie did not think she could put the tooth back into the now-empty socket so she did the next best thing and gently placed the tooth in a cup of milk. She called the dentist’s office and headed out the door. A few hours later, her daughter was resting, with the tooth safely back in her mouth.
If your tooth is knocked out, the best place to keep it is actually in your mouth, when possible. Gently placing the tooth back into the empty socket or even holding it the space between the cheek and gum can help preserve the tooth by keeping the root moist and viable. Obviously, if the person is not conscious, you should call 911 and not try to put anything into their mouth.
If it is a permanent adult tooth you can do the following:
· Handle the tooth as little as possible. Do not touch the roots, pick it up by the crown.
· If you can gently slip it back into the socket (making sure it is facing he right way), do so.
· If the tooth is covered in dirt or debris, you should gently rinse it, being careful not to drop it, with milk. (If milk is unavailable, do NOT use soy-milk or any milk substitutes.)
· If you do not have milk, you can use warm water instead.
· Do not add soap or any kind of disinfectant.
· Do not brush the tooth with a washcloth or a toothbrush.
· Do not use very hot water as it can further damage the tooth.
· Get to your dentist as soon as possible. The faster you see your dentist, the greater the chance you have of saving the tooth.
Once your dentist has the tooth, he or she will gently clean out the socket and replace the tooth, if possible. As long as the bone surrounding the tooth was not broken, it is likely to accept the tooth and be fully healed in six to eight weeks. Your dentist may also use a soft wire or other material to create a dental splint that holds the tooth in place, using nearby teeth as an anchoring system. Your dentist will also advise you about follow-up visits, brushing, flossing and eating.
Dentists are trained to treat dental emergencies. Dental problems don’t go away on their own. If you need caring, expert treatment for a knocked out tooth or any other dental issues, call El Portal Dental at (209) 385-1479 today or schedule an appointment online.
Things can often happen fast. You can be busy with your day one minute, and urgently in need of dental care the next. A dental emergency can occur any time of the day or night. From a lost filling to a throbbing toothache, a broken or damaged tooth to a lost crown or bridge, dental emergencies happen every day.
A dental emergency is any situation in which you need immediate treatment to prevent the permanent loss of a tooth, alleviate pain or stop excessive bleeding. A dental emergency can also arise from an abscess or infection which needs to be addressed immediately. Many people do not know that severe infection in the mouth or jaw can actually become life-threatening if left untreated.
Your actions will largely depend on the severity of the injury or illness. For instance, if your face or jaw has swollen, it is likely that you have a serious infection and need to contact a dentist immediately. A dentist can assess the condition and prescribe appropriate medications such as an antibiotic and or medication to reduce pain and inflammation. You should also exercise care if there is bleeding and or swelling and avoid lying down, to prevent choking.
Call your dentist as soon as possible. Try to recover the tooth is you can. Be careful to pick it up by the top or crown instead of the pointy area on the bottom, which is the root. Your dentist may advise you to try gently replacing the tooth, again without touching the root. You can look into a mirror to see how the teeth on either side are placed. You can also place a tooth in milk to keep it moist or hold it gently between your cheek and gum to protect the tooth.
If you have chipped, broken or cracked a tooth, you are probably going to need at least a filling, if not a crown. Your dentist will be able to assess the amount of damage and recommend a treatment plan to correct it. If you are in pain, you will want to see your dentist immediately. If you are not in pain, you should still contact your dentist to schedule a visit and advise them of the situation. You may notice some sensitivity if the nerve has been exposed. Try to avoid very cold or very hot food and eat on the other side until you can see your dentist.
Bleeding can be caused by a variety of things. Blood on floss, for example, could mean early gum disease. Bleeding after an injury or a procedure may need to be evaluated by your dentist. If, for instance, you have had a dental procedure that continues to bleed, you will need to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Prolonged bleeding can be a medical emergency. You need to keep your head up, to minimize bleeding, just as you would want to elevate an injured hand or foot.
As a rule of thumb, when in doubt contact a professional. Dentists are trained to treat all forms of dental emergencies. Dental problems do not go away on their own and the sooner you can get treatment, the better. If you’re in need of expert care for your teeth, call El Portal Dental at (209) 385-1479 today or schedule an appointment online. No problem is too big or too small. Our caring dentists are always happy to help you get the outstanding dental care you and your loved ones deserve.