What Do I Do If A Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
No matter what precautions you take, accidents can happen. When one does happen, we believe it is important for you to know how to handle the situation. If your tooth does get knocked out, the right steps, taken immediately is your best chance at a good outcome.
This is especially important because your teeth affect your smile and confidence, to your ability to eat and speak, and participate in the activities you enjoy.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be an intimidating situation when you know the steps to take to save a tooth.
When an adult tooth cannot be saved, the lifetime cost of losing it may surprise you. According to The New York Times, the cost for a dental implant to replace a tooth is estimated to cost between $3,000 to $4,500.
Your tooth can be saved if the proper steps are followed immediately after the injury
Steps to Save Your Tooth:
- Call your dentist right away
- While trying not to touch the root, place it back in the socket where it fell out so that it is level with your other teeth.
- If that’s not possible, you’ll need to keep the tooth moist. The best option is to store the tooth (while en route to the dentist) in an emergency tooth-preserving system, such as “Save-A-Tooth”. If you don’t have this in your first aid kit, the next best place is in milk. It has been proven to keep the periodontal ligament cells healthy enough for re-implantation.
- Go to your dentist.
If your child is playing a sport that involves any contact, Dr. Bertolini recommends that your child wear a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.
If you’d like to know more about this topic read 5 Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports.
Now that you know the steps to take if you are ever faced with this situation and you are armed with the confidence you need to save the tooth!
We are here to help you protect your beautiful smile,
if you have any questions please call our office 330-494-6305.
