Emergency Dentist for Knocked-Out Teeth: What to Do First

An emergency dentist may be able to reimplant your knocked-out tooth. But there are some important steps to follow before you reach the clinic. Following these crucial steps can make your dislodged tooth viable for reimplantation. Below are the essential steps to take before you see your emergency dentist for treatment for a knocked-out tooth.

Locate the missing tooth

It is crucial to find the lost tooth. Finding it in about five to 10 minutes is ideal. Focus on the tooth and try not to panic. This mindset can help prevent one from wasting time.

Hold the tooth by its crown

Patients should refrain from being in a hurry once they find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown. Keep fingers off the root. An emergency dentist explains that the roots have sensitive cells that make reimplantation possible. Touching the roots can damage their cells. The damage may prevent a possible reunion of the tooth and its socket.

Refrain from cleaning the tooth

The tooth may have fallen on a dusty surface. There could be some debris on the roots. The emergency dentist emphasizes that cleaning the roots is not ideal. Scrubbing it will damage the cells for implantation. Keep harsh chemicals away from the tooth.

Sterile saline solution or milk is a good liquid to use. These liquids are not harmful to the tooth's composition. Cleaning the tooth with tap water should be the last resort. Rinsing with tap water should be short.

Keep the tooth moist

Place the knocked-out tooth in a small container of milk. This nourishing liquid can keep the tooth moist and alive. The container must have a lid. A covered container will prevent the tooth from falling out. Wrapping the tooth in a paper towel will dehydrate the tooth. The emergency dentist would not be able to reimplant a dried-out tooth.

Time is crucial

Tooth avulsion is a dental emergency. It needs the quick attention of an emergency dentist. Arriving at the dental clinic must occur within an hour of the incident. An early arrival time will enable the emergency dentist to reimplant the viable tooth. Here are the reasons for immediate dental care for a knocked-out tooth.

It prevents infection. A knocked-out tooth subjects the surrounding soft tissue to trauma. It also opens the mouth to bacterial infection. Prompt treatment will enable the emergency dentist to thoroughly clean the socket. Doing so will lower the patient's risk of infection.

It preserves the tooth. Reimplanting the knocked-out tooth is possible if the patient arrives within 30 minutes or less. Studies reveal that the dental root cells can only stay viable for a short period. It also reduces pain. Pain develops when a tooth is knocked out of its socket. Rushing to an emergency dentist can alleviate the patient's pain.