Sometimes, no matter how careful you are in spots, activities or around the house, accidents can happen. A slip or a fall or even a traffic accident can result in an avulsed or knocked-out tooth. A knocked out tooth can be a traumatic experience, since there can be pain, blood and panic. You may be wondering if the tooth can be saved, or how soon you can get a replacement.
If you do have a knocked-out tooth, the first thing you should do is to see if you can find it. Handle it only by the crowns and gently rinse it in cool water. Rinse your mouth to clear away any blood or debris. Then, see if you can fit it back in the socket. If you can, bite down on it gently through a piece of gauze. Then, you should see our dentists, Dr. Josh Gosnell and Dr. Robert Turner, right away. If you can’t place the tooth back in the socket, don’t try to force it. Instead, you should place it between your cheek and gums, submerge it in milk or a cup of your own saliva and get to the dentist as soon as possible. Your tooth can remain viable for about one hour, although it might last up to two hours. The dentist will secure the tooth in the socket and give it a chance to heal. You will need to see your dentist for follow-up visits.
If you lose a tooth, don’t panic. Instead, take the steps outlined above, and contact America's Family Dental Tomball in Tomball, Texas at 281.290.8000 for an appointment.