What to Do When a Tooth Falls Out: Tips From a General Dentist

Thanks to some tips provided by a general dentist, you will know exactly what to do if you ever have a tooth fall out. Sometimes, the solution is easy. Other times, a dental professional has to perform a procedure to salvage the tooth. Either way, if you run into this problem, it is essential that you take quick and appropriate action.

Why do teeth fall out?

As explained by a general dentist, teeth fall out for a variety of reasons. As an example, this could happen to someone who participates in sports. All it takes is for a pitcher to take a line drive to the face. More than likely that would cause one or more teeth to loosen or come out completely. However, someone can lose a tooth due to decay. This could result from improper brushing, eating too much of the wrong foods or not having a cavity filled.

Follow the steps provided by a general dentist

If someone’s tooth falls out, regardless of the reason, the first step is to recover it. However, instead of picking it up by the roots, the individual should take hold of the crown. That way, there is no risk of damage. Even then, the person should handle the tooth with extreme care.

Thorough rinsing

Next, the person should thoroughly rinse the tooth that fell out. For this, whole milk, a sterile saline solution or even saliva can be used. If wanted, the individual can make a sterile solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with one cup of bottled water. At no time should the person brush or rub the tooth. Rather, they should simply rinse both the root and crown.

Put the tooth back in place

While this might sound odd, a person can protect the root by placing the tooth back in its socket. Then, they would press down using medical gauze. Another option is to bite down gently yet firmly. That way, a general dentist will find it easier to re-implant the tooth. If it does not fit properly, the person should place the tooth in milk, saline solution or saliva. At that point, it is important to visit a dental office.

Contact a general dentist

Regardless if an individual puts the tooth in its socket or stores it as suggested, they need to see a general dentist quickly. The sooner a dentist sees the person, the better. Most dental practices offer emergency services. That means if someone loses a tooth at night, over the weekend or during a holiday, help is available.

Upon arrival, the dentist will inspect the tooth, its roots and the patient’s gum. If at all possible, the dentist will re-implant it. If there is no way to salvage the tooth, the dental professional will suggest an appropriate treatment. This might entail doing nothing, adding a bridge or performing a dental implant.

Do not panic

While unnerving, there is no need to panic if you have a tooth fall out. Now, if the incident involved some kind of mouth trauma, you may need to head to the ER. Once there, the staff can contact a dentist to evaluate the situation. Otherwise, follow the tips provided and visit a general dentist quickly after this experience.

Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.

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