You may look forward to losing a tooth as a child, especially if it means a visit from the tooth fairy. However, when you lose a “baby” tooth, it gets replaced with a permanent tooth. Unfortunately, there isn’t a backup tooth to replace a lost “adult” tooth. But, just because you lose a permanent tooth, it may not be gone for good.
At Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental, Daniel Park, DDS, offers emergency dentistry services to ensure you get an appointment when you need it most. He shares these steps to take immediately if you have a permanent tooth that gets knocked out.
First and foremost, contact Dr. Park immediately if a tooth gets dislodged. If you receive emergency dental care within 60 minutes of the accident, it’s possible for damaged tissue, nerves, and blood vessels to regrow so they can support the tooth again.
Simply put, the sooner you receive treatment, the more likely Dr. Park will be able to successfully reimplant your lost tooth.
If your tooth gets dislodged, retrieve it by touching the crown — the chewing surface, not the root — and rinse it with water to clean it. Then gently try putting it back in its socket, but don’t force it. If you succeed, slowly close your mouth and hold it in place by lightly biting down.
If you can’t put it back in its place, tuck it in your cheek until you see Dr. Park. If storing your tooth in your mouth isn’t an option, use a small container filled with cold milk or saliva, not substances like water, yogurt, or contact lens solutions.
Losing a tooth can hurt, especially if it gets knocked out. When you call about your dental emergency, Dr. Park can offer specific recommendations based on your accident. These guidelines often include applying a cold compress to the area of your face with the missing tooth and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain relievers as directed.
Last but not least, it’s easy to assume that the damage is already done once the adult tooth is gone. However, ignoring a lost tooth can create problems, too.
Most people only associate a missing tooth with how it affects their smile. But, tooth loss can cause additional issues, such as:
Plus, each of your teeth provides structure and stability in your mouth. So, when you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. And, without the tooth root to nourish your jawbone, you can experience bone loss, which can affect the appearance of your face.
Even if Dr. Park can’t successfully reimplant your tooth, he can provide effective replacement solutions, such as implants or crowns, to restore your smile and protect your oral health.
If you have a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, contact Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental immediately by calling 951-845-2661.
