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If you’ve knocked out a tooth, whether from an injury or accident, it doesn’t mean you can’t save it. By following the right steps and seeing a dentist quickly, you can save the tooth and get it replanted without any issues. If this happens to you, remember these tips to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.

What to Do If You Lose a Tooth

1. Find the Tooth & Rinse It With Water

If a tooth falls out, find it immediately. Don’t leave it at the accident site, as you might not be able to recover it later. Make sure you pick up the tooth by the crown, which is the top of the tooth. Don’t touch the root since it’s a sensitive area and could be damaged easily. After finding it, carefully rinse it with water to remove any dirt or other contaminants. Avoid using any soap or an abrasive washcloth to clean it, as they could cause further damage. You should then dry the tooth with a soft cloth.

2. Put the Tooth Back in the Socket & Keep It Moist

After the tooth is clean, gently push it back into the socket, or place it over the socket and close your mouth. Hold it in place by biting down gently or using your fingers. However, don’t try to force it in if it doesn’t seem to fit or won’t stay.

If it doesn't stay in the socket, make sure it’s moist somehow, whether by keeping it in your mouth or a glass of milk. Don’t drop it in a glass of water since it will weaken the root’s surface cells. Milk provides calcium, which can preserve necessary parts of the tooth until you can get to the dentist.

3. Go to the Dentist

dentist Amherst, OHMake an emergency appointment with the dentist and bring the tooth with you. Aim for seeing them within 30 minutes of the accident. The dentist will have a higher chance of saving it in that time frame. First, they’ll remove any debris from the socket and re-implant it. They’ll place a wire splint to keep it in place for a few days, and you’ll need to schedule a checkup appointment to ensure that it isn’t loose or beginning to decay. The root will eventually replant, and your gums will grow back over the tooth to keep it in place.

 

If you ever lose a tooth as the result of an accident, contact the dentists at Gregory Sy, DDS & Associates in Amherst, OH. They will ensure your tooth is healthy and back in place as soon as possible. By providing emergency dental services, they ensure that you will be able to visit them as soon as the accident occurs. Their professional staff offers other cosmetic procedures like crowns and bridges, teeth whitening, and veneers. To schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning or other services, call (440) 282-9550. Visit their website for more information about their offerings.

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