Dental emergencies happen when you least expect them. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place. The more prepared you are, the less stressful a dental emergency will feel. Sometimes, the decisions you make directly after a dental injury can make the difference in saving your natural tooth or not. Do you know what to do if your tooth gets knocked out? If you answered no, keep reading to learn what you should do if it happens to you!
The First Steps to Take if Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If your tooth gets knocked out, the first thing you should do is use a clean piece of gauze or a towel to help stop any mouth bleeding. Then, locate the tooth and pick it up. Don’t touch the roots, just grab the tooth by the crown (top). After you pick it up, rinse it off with water. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and bite down gently on gauze to keep it in place. If you can’t put it back because your mouth is injured or your tooth is in pieces, put your tooth or the pieces of it in a cup of milk.
See a Dentist Right Away!
Making fast decisions is critical when it comes to saving a tooth after it’s knocked out of its socket. We recommend having your dentist or an emergency dentist’s number in your phone’s contacts and in other various places so that you can quickly call if a dental injury arises. The sooner you get to the dentist, the better. The less time that passes between your tooth getting knocked out and your dentist placing it back in your mouth, the more likely it is for your tooth to be able to reroot back into its spot.
Same-Day Emergency Dentistry in Raleigh, NC
At Northside Dental, we understand just how overwhelming dental injuries can be. We proudly offer emergency dentistry and can see patients the same day they call. You should never have to wait in pain or spend time trying to find a dentist who can fit you in. We’ve got you covered! Our experienced, calming team will go above and beyond to ensure you’re getting the care you need. We’ll help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, even in the midst of a dental emergency. For more information, please contact our office.