Oral injuries are more common than you may realise. If you are one of the many Australians who experienced a knocked tooth you need to know how to respond. Your dentist may call it an avulsed tooth, but the result is the same. The good news is that just because your tooth has been knocked out doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. If you take the right steps following an accident or injury, an emergency dentist may be able to successfully replant it.
Ways A Tooth Can Be Knocked Out
There are a wide variety of causes for tooth damage. The most common causes involve trauma, whether it’s to the teeth or face. This trauma can be the result of trips, falls, auto accidents, as well as sports injuries.
What To Do If You Knock A Tooth Out
When you knock your tooth out, it isn’t just the tooth that’s of concern. Remember, there has been damage to the supporting tissues, nerves, and blood vessels as well. While you cannot repair those, the dentist can salvage the tooth, and a root canal can reattach the roots. This is not an appropriate tact for baby teeth and should only be for permanent teeth. You need to get to a dentist as quickly as possible. But, before you do, there are certain steps to take.
- As the tooth is easily damaged, you must handle it carefully, avoid touching the root area.
- Place the tooth in milk (or saline) immediately. You should avoid using water unless it’s the only way to rinse a dirty tooth. Do not wipe or wash it with a cloth, as this can cause damage.
- It mustn’t dry out. If you cannot transport it in milk or do not have milk or saline handy, you can place it back in the gum (do not force it) and get to the dentist quickly.
- You should still visit a dentist if the issue is with a baby tooth, as losing a tooth early can cause other problems.
Once you’re at the dentist, the process may or may not be simple. It depends on the health of the tooth as well as the socket. Your best chances of a successful replantation are if the process occurs within an hour of the accident. The dentist will splint the tooth to the teeth on either side, and you may or may not need a root canal immediately. It will generally reattach within four weeks. However, more damage means it could take up to eight weeks to repair.
Ways To Help Protect Your Teeth During Sports
The most common cause of tooth injuries is sports, particularly rugby and hockey, as there’s a higher risk of being hit in the face. If you play contact sports or are involved in a sport that often results in injury, you should invest in a mouthguard. A dentist can make one moulded to your teeth, or you can opt for a boil and bite guard easily moulded with hot water, however, this isn’t recommended. The difference between the two is quality. The one moulded to your teeth is more comfortable and offers much better protection.
When To See Your Dentist
Regular trips to the dentist are vital to maintaining strong dental health. If you knock a tooth out, you should immediately visit the dentist. Otherwise, you should aim to see your dentist regularly. While you should visit a dental hygienist at least twice a year, your dentist is a different story. How often you visit will depend on your teeth. For some, it may be every three months; for others, once a year is sufficient. Speak to your dentist about how often you should visit.
If you’re looking for a Camden dentist or nearby, whether it’s for dental veneers, repairs, or to learn more about the cost of dental implants, get in touch. The team of Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic is standing by. We offer free consultations and also offer AfterPay dental treatments.
