Knocking out a tooth is an extremely frightening experience. The fear of permanently losing that tooth immediately sinks in, but it’s important to remain calm and remember to take the necessary steps to try and save the tooth. There are a few things to remember to do before seeking Emergency Oral Care in Butler PA.
Stick the Tooth Back into the Socket
If possible, try to stick the tooth back into the empty socket. This is the safest place to keep the tooth while heading to the dentist. Bite down gently to keep the tooth in place. Saliva will maintain the proper pH level, and the tooth will have the best chance of remaining viable.
Keep the Tooth Moist
It’s imperative to keep the tooth moist at all times. If the tooth can’t be reinserted into the socket, soaking it in milk is the next best option. Simply place the tooth in a small cup of milk, making sure the tooth is fully emerged.
If a person doesn’t have immediate access to milk, then try holding the tooth in the mouth or covering it with saliva in a cup. Never soak the tooth in water unless there is no other option. Water is too hard on the root cells and may damage the tooth even more.
Gather All of the Pieces
Sometimes a tooth is knocked out in one piece, but other times it may break into several pieces. No matter how small the pieces may seem, be sure to gather all of them. Even if the dentist is unable to use all of the broken pieces, they will try to utilize what they can.
Time Is of the Essence
Once a tooth is knocked out, the clock starts ticking. This is a true dental emergency that needs to be handled within the hour. The sooner an appointment can be made for Emergency Oral Care in Butler PA, the better the outcome. Waiting too long may cause the tooth to die.
A knocked out tooth is considered a serious dental emergency, and it’s important to seek care right away. Take the proper precautions to keep the tooth vital, as in many cases, the dentist may be able to save the tooth. Browse our website for more information about common dental emergencies.
