Emergency dentistry could be needed when a tooth is suddenly knocked out, or even loosened. We want to help protect your smile from long-term complications. In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne and our Prairie Village, KS, team talk about what to do when a tooth is knocked out!
The Causes and Dangers of Dental Emergencies
How does a tooth end up knocked-out? This could happen if you sustain a sudden injury, such as an accident or a sports injury. All ages could be vulnerable to this, which is why we always recommend a mouthguard when playing sports or practicing martial arts or boxing. When a tooth is gone, action is needed to restore it, otherwise its loss could be permanent. When you lose a tooth, this could allow the jawbone around it to weaken and threaten further tooth loss. Nearby teeth could also drift, moving to create misalignment. But we can help your smile with emergency dentistry. But first, let’s talk about what to do when a tooth is knocked out.
How to Respond
When a tooth is knocked out, do not panic. Instead, look for it and then gently pick it up by the crown only, never touch the roots. You can return it to the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place, or you can add it to a sealed container of milk or salt water. To stem the bleeding, use cloth or gauze. A cold compress to the side of the face could reduce swelling. Consider an over-the-counter pain reliever too. Contact our team right away. If you reach us during our usual business hours, we will likely try to see you same-day for care. But if we are closed, leave a message so a team member can reach out quickly with advice and to discuss possible appointment times.
Helping Your Smile with Emergency Dentistry
Our team can restore the tooth to its proper place in your smile. If you have a tooth that is lost and it cannot be recovered and restored, then we could discuss replacement options to help protect the stability and alignment of your smile. We could offer a bridge, or even advanced dental implants to restore what has been lost. If you have any questions about how we handle knocked-out teeth or about our approach to emergency dental care, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help smiles of all ages in our community stay strong and full!
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Browne, DDS
We offer emergency dental care to help protect your smile. If you have a tooth that is loose or missing, then call Dr. Robert M Browne, DDS in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585 today. We can restore your smile!