What to Do after You Lose an Adult Tooth
by
Jordan Rocksmith
Save the Tooth
If possible, save your tooth after its knocked out of your mouth. In some cases, your natural tooth can be reattached in your mouth, so you wont need an artificial tooth. Be very careful when you handle the tooth because even a little bit of dirt or pressure can cause severe damage. Handle it only by the crown (the top), not the delicate root system. Keep it as clean as possible when handling it.
How to Transport the Tooth
The best place to store a tooth thats been knocked out is in the socket it came from. This is its natural habitat, so it helps keep the tooth in the best shape possible during the transport. You can also carry it wedged in the pocket of your cheek. If youre not comfortable with this, store the tooth in a small container of milk–not water–to keep it moist. This is usually the best option for young children, who might accidentally swallow their lost tooth.
Call Your Dentist
After your accident, call a dentist right away. The sooner your dentist can see you, the more likely hell be able to save your natural tooth. Usually, a tooth needs to be reinserted within half an hour of being knocked out. Keep in mind that while you do need to hurry to get to the dentist, a lost tooth is not a medical emergency. Dont call 911 unless there are other severe injuries involved.
Caring for a Reinstalled Tooth
If your original tooth is successfully installed in its socket, it is still going to be very weak for some time while your gums recover. Do everything you can to protect your tooth during this time. Eat soft foods, especially for the first few days, and avoid activities where you might be reinjured. Brush your teeth thoroughly to get rid of bacteria in your mouth because your weakened gums will succumb to infection more easily than healthy gums.
Tooth Replacement Options
If your original tooth cant be saved, talk to your dentist about tooth replacement options. Its important to replace a lost tooth because a gap in your teeth can weaken your gums and other teeth. Your dentist will probably suggest either a dental bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that attaches to the teeth on either side of the gap to stay securely in place. A dental implant is inserted into your gum, and an artificial tooth is installed on top of it.
Caring for Your New Teeth
Just like you brush and floss your natural teeth, its important to care for your dental bridges and dental implants in Ocala. Even though they cant decay, they can still collect plaque and bacteria that can harm the rest of your mouth. Dental implants are easier to care for because they stand alone–they look and act exactly like your natural teeth. Dental bridges are harder to care for, because they are attached to your other teeth and are not as easy to brush or floss. Spend some extra time on them each time you brush to make sure you get into all the tiny cracks.
Thank you for choosing the office of Gregory A. Parker D.D.S. for your dental needs. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the finest dental care in a pleasant, caring, atmosphere.
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What to Do after You Lose an Adult Tooth
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