Save a tooth with a simple, quick thinking and systematic process
Tooth trauma can occur as a result of a fall, sporting injury or any traumatic event. It can be a parent’s worse nightmare seeing one of their children lose a tooth – It is important to understand exactly what steps to take and how to give yourself the best chance of saving a baby or adult tooth.
“Every Second Counts”
Dislodged adult tooth – What to do
Avulsion or a tooth completely knocked out of its socket is rare, but disturbing all the same. A good rule to follow is the 30 minute rule – The window directly after the tooth has been knocked out is the most crucial.
- Locate the tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, never handle or touch the root of the tooth (pointy bit)
- Place the tooth in saline solution (found in first aid kits or contact lenses)
- If you are unable to find saline solution, milk is the next best option
- Immediately contact a Dentist or Oral health professional
- Make a visit to the dentist or emergency room
Having a tooth knocked out is likely to result in a couple of outcomes. If the tooth is initially located and preserved as stated above, it can be restored by reinserting and splinting the tooth. This can be done in a number of ways, offering either temporary or permanent splints.
If the tooth cannot be located some of your options include
- Implants
- Fixed Bridges
- Removable Dentures
Sometimes the tooth may require a root canal which is one of the most common dental procedures performed.
Dislodged baby tooth – What to do
Losing a baby tooth is typically not as complicated as losing an adult tooth – The important rule to remember in this scenario is never place the baby tooth back in the socket – This can cause damage to the permanent tooth sitting underneath and can also fuse to the socket hole, which causes further problems for the permanent adult tooth.
It is still advised that you contact a Dentist and enquire about the best course of action.
Chipped or broken teeth – What to do
More commonly seen than a complete loss of a tooth, broken or chipped teeth are seen in sporting mishaps, collisions, falls, motoring accidents and even bouts of general clumsiness!
Chipped teeth can be quite sensitive to touch, hot and cold foods and general temperature changes. This is due to the increased nerve exposure and may be the only pain or discomfort you experience.
- Often there will be bleeding within the mouth, it is a good idea to rinse with water and apply pressure to any cuts or lacerations before seeing a Dentist.
- Collect fragments and broken teeth and place them in a saline solution or milk.
- Contact a Dentist or Oral health professional – Every second counts!
Treatment
- Small sized chip – The dentist may choose to smooth down small and abrasive edges, and then polish the existing tooth. This will ensure there is no visible damage and the structure of tooth will remain sound.
- Medium and large sized chips – Will usually involve placing a filling or crown on the tooth to protect the roots and function of the tooth. Larger sized chips may require a root canal.
It is important to remember that – Every second counts! Teeth and gums are delicate; follow the above steps and give yourself the best chance of saving a tooth.
It is advised to always contact a dentist or oral health professional immediately after any tooth trauma.
For more information please do not hesitate to get in contact with the team at Dental One – 1300 NO GAP
