Emergency Dentistry: Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?

In certain situations, going to emergency dentistry make sense. Your general dentist is available for examinations, cleanings and treatments. However, for the most urgent, serious oral health matters, you need immediate help. An emergency dental professional has the knowledge and training to address severe pain as well as injuries to the teeth and gums.

Consequences of a missing tooth

Kids look forward to losing their baby teeth. This is hardly the case when it comes to permanent teeth. A knocked-out tooth can be embarrassing for anyone and may make someone not want to speak or open their mouth. A missing tooth hinders a smile and may even affect speech and the ability to chew. It can be painful to lose a permanent tooth too. A missing tooth also increases a person’s risk of developing an infection in that area.

Finding and preserving the tooth

When a person loses a tooth, it is important to call the emergency dentistry office right away. A person should not discard the tooth but should instead try to find it. If the patient can retrieve the lost tooth, they should try to place it back in the socket. If this does not work, the patient can place it in a saline solution and head to the emergency dentist’s office. Some emergency dental offices allow walk-ins and take after-hours appointments.

Examining the patient

At the emergency dentistry clinic, the dentist will examine the patient. The dentist will determine the extent of the damage and whether it is possible to save the tooth. The faster the dentist can see the patient after the incident, the higher the chance of successfully putting the tooth back into the mouth. The dentist will see whether the tooth fractured or was knocked out cleanly.

Procedures at the emergency dentistry office

If the dentist places the tooth back into the mouth, there are some effective ways to avoid replacing it. The dentist may use wires or other dental materials to keep the tooth in place. The knocked-out tooth will attach to the adjacent teeth with the wires. The dentist will keep the wires in the mouth for a few weeks or months, depending on how well the roots develop.

When saving the tooth is not an option

In some cases, the team at the local emergency dentistry clinic may not be able to salvage the tooth. The good news is that the patient has options to preserve a healthy, full smile. The dentist will perform a root canal to clean out any decay or infection. Then, there will be a discussion about what tooth-replacement treatment makes the most sense. Dental implants, partial dentures or a bridge are possibilities.

Acting quickly

If you lose a tooth, there is no time to wait. Call an emergency dentistry office close to you. Then, bring the tooth with you so the dentist can try to reinsert it. When the dentist cannot do this, you do not have to live with a large gap in your mouth. You can feel good knowing that the dentist will take good care of your oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.

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