Accidents happen, and when it comes to your teeth, they can be incredibly distressing. A knocked-out tooth, or an avulsed tooth, is a common dental emergency, and the first few minutes after it occurs can make all the difference. A knocked-out tooth can be frightening and unpleasant, regardless of whether it results from an accident, a sports injury, or a fall.In this Blog, we’ll walk you through how emergency dentists handle knocked-out teeth and what steps you should take immediately to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
What Happens When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
Ligaments and nerves are among the delicate components that sustain a tooth after it is knocked out. The tooth eventually becomes loose and falls out as a result of this. The likelihood that the tooth will be saved drastically drops if it is not replaced right away. The tooth’s root may begin to deteriorate and dry up, making reattachment impossible.
Types of Teeth That Can Be Knocked Out
Typically, a knocked-out tooth involves the front teeth (incisors and canines), as they are more exposed and vulnerable. However, any tooth can be knocked out. If this happens to a child, their baby teeth may be knocked out, and while these teeth don’t need to be replanted, it’s still important to get professional care to ensure everything heals properly.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Knocked-Out Tooth
If you or someone else experiences a knocked-out tooth, staying calm and acting quickly can mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing it. Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Pick Up the Tooth Carefully
Since the tooth’s root is its most delicate and sensitive area, avoid touching it. Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface) and gently rinse it under lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris. However, do not scrub it or use soap, as this could damage the tooth’s delicate cells.
2. If at all possible, reposition the tooth in the socket.
Attempt to replace the tooth in its socket if the patient is conscious and able to bear it. This can help preserve the root’s cells, increasing the chance of successful reattachment. If the tooth doesn’t fit, place it in a clean container with milk or saliva to keep it moist.
3. Get to an Emergency Dentist Fast
Time is critical. The likelihood that the tooth will be saved increases with the timing of treatment. A visit to an emergency dentist in Swindon within 30 minutes of the accident offers the best possible outcome. Even if you can’t get to the dentist right away, try to keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or a saline solution.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Help if There Are Other Injuries
If the knocked-out tooth is accompanied by other injuries, such as a broken jaw or bleeding gums, you’ll need immediate medical attention. Visit your nearest emergency room or call your emergency dentist in Swindon to help you manage both the tooth and any other injuries.
How Emergency Dentists Handle Knocked-Out Teeth
Once you get to an emergency dentist in Swindon, the dentist will assess the tooth and the surrounding area to determine the best course of action. Here’s how the process typically goes:
1. Examination and Cleaning
The dentist will examine the socket to check for any remaining tooth fragments or damage to the bone. The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any bacteria or dirt and then assessed to see if it can be reattached.
2. Replanting the Tooth
If the tooth is suitable for reattachment and the root is still viable, the dentist will attempt to replant the tooth into the socket. The tooth is carefully placed back into position, and the surrounding ligaments are reconnected. A splint or wire may be used to secure the tooth in place while it heals.
3. Root Canal Treatment (If Necessary)
Sometimes, even if the tooth is successfully replanted, the root may have been damaged during the impact. In such cases, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment to prevent infection and preserve the tooth. The goal of this surgery is to remove any damaged or infectious tissue from inside the tooth and seal it to stop future problems.
4. Follow-Up Care
Once the tooth is replanted or treated, you’ll need to return to the dentist for follow-up appointments. During these visits, the dentist will monitor the tooth’s healing progress and ensure that the replantation is successful. If there are any complications, they will take action to address them as soon as possible.
5. Monitoring for Infection
After a tooth is extracted and replaced, infection is a serious risk. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and swelling. You may also need to return for regular check-ups to ensure the tooth is healing correctly.
The Success Rate of Reattaching Knocked-Out Teeth
The success rate for replanting a knocked-out permanent tooth is around 85-90% if treated within the first hour (source: American Association of Endodontists). The success rate, however, sharply declines if the tooth is removed from the mouth for more than one hour. For teeth knocked out in childhood, the likelihood of saving the tooth is even higher, especially when handled quickly. If you’re looking for immediate dental care, seeking help from an emergency dentist in Swindon is crucial for maximising the chances of success. If you’re also considering improving your smile with a more discreet option, Invisalign Swindon could help you achieve the perfect smile while avoiding future dental emergencies.
Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth
There are precautions you can take to lessen the chance of losing a tooth, even though accidents are inevitable:
1. Wear a Mouthguard
If you play contact sports, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth. A mouthguard can cushion your teeth against direct impact, preventing them from being knocked out. For those seeking a discreet, comfortable solution, Invisalign Swindon also offers clear aligners that can act as a form of protection in certain situations.
2. Avoid Risky Behaviours
Taking extra caution in everyday activities, such as avoiding chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, can reduce the risk of damaging or losing a tooth.
3. Routine Dental Visits
Regular check-ups with your dentist can help ensure that your teeth are healthy and secure. If you’re already experiencing loose teeth or other dental issues, visiting an emergency dentist in Swindon sooner rather than later can prevent further damage.
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Conclusion
When it comes to knocked-out teeth, acting quickly and getting to an emergency dentist as soon as possible is key. At EDS, we’re here to help in your time of need, ensuring that your dental emergencies are dealt with promptly and professionally. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a painful dental issue, or other urgent concerns, our team is ready to provide expert care. If you find yourself needing immediate attention, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also offer Invisalign Swindon for those seeking a more discreet orthodontic solution. Contact us today for the professional care you deserve.
