What to Do If You Experience a Tooth Avulsion

A tooth avulsion, or knocked-out tooth, is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Whether it’s due to a sports injury, an accident, or a fall, losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience. Knowing what to do in the critical moments following the avulsion can greatly increase the chances of saving the tooth. At Tolland Hill Family Dental, we want to ensure you are well-prepared to handle this situation effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

A knocked-out tooth may be able to be saved, but quick action is required on your part if you experience this situation. Follow these steps to give your tooth the best chance of survival:

1. Keep Calm: It’s natural to feel panicked, but staying calm is crucial. Acting swiftly and decisively will increase the likelihood of saving your tooth.
2. Handle the Tooth Properly: When picking up the knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown (the visible part used for chewing) and avoid touching the root. Touching the root can damage the cells necessary for reattachment.
3. Rinse the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline solution. If these are unavailable, use water, but do not scrub or use soap or chemicals, as these can damage the tooth further.
4. Reinsert the Tooth if Possible: Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Gently push it in with your fingers, ensuring it’s facing the right way. If it doesn’t go in easily, do not force it.
5. Keep the Tooth Moist: If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist at all times. Place it in a container of milk, saline solution, or your saliva. Do not store the tooth in tap water, as this can damage the cells on the root surface.
6. Seek Immediate Dental Care: Time is of the essence. Contact Tolland Hill Family Dental or visit an emergency dental clinic immediately. Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes of the injury. However, teeth can sometimes be saved even if they have been out of the mouth for an hour or more, as long as they have been properly preserved.

What to Expect at the Dentist

When you arrive at the dental office, the dentist will:

• Assess the Injury: The dentist will examine your mouth and the avulsed tooth. They may take X-rays to check for additional damage and to plan the best course of action.
• Reimplant the Tooth: If you were unable to reinsert the tooth, the dentist will clean it and place it back into the socket. They may use a splint to stabilize the tooth, attaching it to adjacent teeth to hold it in place while it heals.
• Discuss Follow-Up Care: Your dentist will provide instructions for care following the reimplantation. This may include avoiding hard foods, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and possibly taking antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Monitor Healing: Regular follow-up visits will be necessary to ensure the tooth is reattaching properly. The dentist will monitor the healing process and address any complications that may arise.

Experiencing a tooth avulsion can be alarming, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving your tooth. By acting quickly and following these steps, you can improve the chances of a successful reimplantation. At Tolland Hill Family Dental, we are here to support you through any dental emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately if you or a loved one experiences a tooth avulsion. Your quick response and our expert care can help preserve your smile.