Our teeth are exposed to a great number of risks every day. Despite how carefully we may look after them, they are still susceptible to danger.
A knocked out, or avulsed, tooth is one of these unforeseen dangers. It is also one of the most serious of dental emergencies, hence it is important to remain calm during the ordeal. How you handle the emergency affects the chances of your tooth being re-implanted.
Your local dentists at Castlemaine Smiles offer the following first aid steps to help you deal with your dental emergency.
First Aid Tips For A Knocked Out Permanent Tooth?
- Secure the tooth immediately.
- Pick it up by the crown (top part of the tooth). Do not touch the root of the tooth. Be very careful in handling the tooth as damage may prevent re-implantation.
- Wash the tooth gently in a bowl of lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds. Do this only if there is dirt or any foreign matter on the tooth.
- Reinsert the tooth if possible. Bite down gently on a clean piece of cloth to keep the tooth in place.
- If you can’t reinsert the tooth, soak the tooth in saline or milk, or in a bowl of your saliva. Do not rub or scrub it.
- Go to your dentist within 30 minutes of the emergency.
What To Do For A Knocked Out Baby Tooth?
- For knocked out baby tooth, never attempt a reinsertion, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Best let your dentist assess first if the tooth can be reinserted, and let him/her do the re-implantation.
- Follow the same procedure as with a permanent tooth. Then soak the tooth soak in milk, saline, or saliva.
- Go to your dentist within 30 minutes of the emergency.
Note: If you are not sure whether the tooth is permanent or not, do not attempt to reinsert it. Call your dentist immediately.
Treatment For A Knocked Out Tooth At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist
If you successfully reinsert the tooth, your dentist will check if it is properly positioned by taking an X-ray. Recovery will be monitored to ensure that it is back to normal.
If the tooth was not properly repositioned, your dentist will reinsert it. A splinting technique might be used after to keep the tooth in place. This might stay in place for several days or weeks depending on the severity of the damage. Recovery will be closely monitored to ensure no infection arises.
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist, Your Local Dentist In Castlemaine
Administering proper first aid is crucial to alleviate pain during dental emergencies. But to ensure absolute safety, visiting your dentist immediately is just as important.
Same Day Emergency Appointment is usually available at Castlemaine Smiles Dentist.
Call us on (03) 5472 1377 or request your appointment online today!
