Perhaps you were playing a rough game of soccer? Or, maybe you simply tripped over the front step to your house? There are many things that can lead to a knocked-out tooth - but the most important thing is how you care for it after it's happened.
First and foremost, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Dr. Roach and his staff can usually replace your tooth, as long as you act quickly. The sooner the tooth is back in its socket, the better the chances for full recovery. For the best chance, a tooth should be replanted within 30-45 minutes.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you or a family member has a tooth knocked out:
- If the tooth has completely fallen out, hold it by the crown - not the root! This will help prevent damage to the ligaments.
- Whatever you do, don't wipe off the tooth. This can cause accidental damage to the ligaments that are vital to making a complete recovery.
- If the person who lost the tooth is a cooperative adult, you can place the tooth between the cheek and gumline - this is the safest place for the tooth because it protects the root by keeping it moist, and also protects it from bacteria.
- You can also transport the tooth to the Jollyville Dental office in milk, saliva, or saline.
- If there is bleeding from the socket, rinse the mouth out with water and place gauze or tissue on the socket. Biting down will apply pressure and help stop the bleeding.
- For broken or loosened teeth, don't eat or drink anything until you get to the dentist, just in case there are broken pieces as well.
In the unfortunate event your tooth does fall out, contact Jollyville Dental immediately at (512) 943-6502. You should also check out our website and Facebook page to stay up-to-date with what's happening in our office.
