Everyone has a fear of damaging a permanent tooth in State College, but few people expect it to happen to them. Unfortunately, it occurs more often than you might realize. In fact, 1 in 6 Americans face a dental emergency, which causes about 5 million knocked-out teeth per year. Most result from sports-related activities. No matter the reason, do you know what to do if you have a tooth knocked-out? Here are 5 tips to help save your smile.
What to Do for a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Losing a permanent tooth in State College can be a traumatizing experience, but it’s important to remain calm. If you act fast, your dentist might be able to save it. Here’s what you can do at home to preserve your tooth while you wait for your appointment:
- Find Your Tooth. Look for your tooth and carefully pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the root or any soft tissues.
- Carefully Clean Your Tooth: Use cool water to rinse your tooth but be sure to only hold it by the crown. Don’t use any soaps, cleaners, or dry it.
- Reinsert Your Tooth: Gently try to push your tooth back into the socket and bite on a piece of gauze to prevent it from moving.
- Preserve Your Tooth: If you couldn’t reinsert your tooth, you’ll need to preserve it by keeping it moist. It’s best to place it in a saline solution or a cup of milk, but if you don’t have any, you can use a cup of water as a last resort. You can also tuck the tooth between your cheek and gum tissue in your mouth, but be careful not to swallow it.
- Call Your Dentist: Not all teeth that are knocked-out are gone for good. Instead, they can often be saved by getting to your emergency dentist in State College quickly. After you’ve provided the appropriate first aid at home, contact your dentist for a same-day appointment.
Knocked-Out Primary Tooth
If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, you need to follow the tips above and call their dentist. Although your child eventually loses their baby teeth, they serve an important role while they are in place. If a tooth is lost too soon, it can cause complications. As a result, your dentist may recommend using a spacer if their tooth can’t be saved.
How to Prevent Losing a Permanent Tooth
You can’t always avoid losing a permanent tooth, but you can reduce your risk of it by wearing an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. This acts as a protective barrier to prevent oral injuries, like a knocked-out tooth. Ask your dentist about an athletic mouthguard during your next preventive visit.
About Dr. Kevin Labosky
Dr. Kevin Labosky provides comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. As a lifelong learner, he’s well-versed in the latest treatments and procedures to create lasting smiles. Through a focus on prevention, he strives to help his patients reach their dental goals. Besides general dentistry, Dr. Labosky also provides emergency services. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today.
