Do you know which common sport is the most likely to knock your tooth out? Many people believe it’s hockey or football, as blows to the face are far from uncommon in such high-contact sports. In reality, your smile is more at risk while playing basketball, as it is one of the sports with the least protective equipment. With no pads, helmets, or even a mouthguard to protect you, your body and smile are exposed to rogue elbows and basketballs. So, what should you do after your tooth is knocked out? If you follow the proper steps, you can save your tooth and restore your smile! At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian provides effective emergency dentistry to patients like you to save your knocked-out tooth!
What To Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
After your tooth is knocked out, there are particular steps you should take to restore your smile effectively.
First, pick up your tooth by the crown. The crown is the visible portion of your tooth that you use to chew or smile. Do not pick it up by the root. Tooth roots are the bottom portion of the tooth that lies below the gum line. These are essential to reattaching a knocked-out tooth, so it’s important to avoid touching them.
If your tooth is dirty, you can clean it gently with water, rinsing off the dirt. Do not scrub the tooth or use soap, as this could damage the enamel and make it more difficult to reattach. Additionally, don’t dry the tooth, as moisture is the key to keeping your tooth healthy.
Before heading to East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, try to push the tooth back in its socket. Using your finger, gently press on the crown to slide the root back into place, or softly bite down to hold the tooth in position.
It’s important to keep your tooth from drying out. If you can’t keep it in its socket, try holding it in your mouth with milk or using an emergency tooth preservation kit, if available. Do not use regular tap water, as it may damage the tooth.
Ideally, you should seek a professional within 30 minutes of the incident. However, they may be able to save your tooth even an hour after! The most important thing to do is to remain calm and remember these vital steps.
Emergency Dentistry at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian puts your oral health above all else.
In addition to his busy schedule, he reserves openings specifically for dental emergencies to help patients in need. Some dental emergencies—like a knocked-out tooth—require immediate attention. Other emergencies result in pain or swelling, leaving patients desperate for relief.
With his emergency dentistry appointments, you can experience relief and treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Zirakian’s compassionate team will do their best to fit you in, ensuring that your oral health is a priority.
Tooth Replacement Options for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If we can’t save your tooth, Dr. Zirakian also offers a variety of tooth replacement options. While many people believe that one missing tooth isn’t a big deal, it has much bigger consequences than just the gap in your smile.
Your tooth roots serve two important functions. The first is to anchor your teeth, which is why keeping your tooth root clean is essential after losing a tooth. However, the second role involves keeping your jawbone healthy.
Tooth roots are embedded in your jawbone, stimulating your bone with every bite. This stimulation is important to keep your jaw full and healthy. Without stimulation, your jawbone will lose mass and volume over time. Even losing one tooth causes bone resorption, so replacing it is essential for oral health!
While Dr. Zirakian can use traditional bridges to replace your missing tooth, they only replace the crown, not the root. To replace your entire tooth, he uses dental implants to support restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures! In many cases, Dr. Zirakian often prefers mini dental implants over traditional implants for the various benefits they offer our patients.
With a less invasive procedure, quick recovery, and a more affordable price, he can use mini implants to fill the gap in your smile!
Trust Dr. Zirakian To Care for Your Knocked-Out Tooth!
No matter how your tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to follow these steps to give you the best chance at saving your tooth. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian encourages you to take advantage of our emergency dentistry services and contact him as soon as possible. If you need to replace a tooth, he offers a variety of methods, including the innovative mini dental implant.
If you have a dental emergency, contact Dr. Zirakian for a free consultation today for prompt and effective treatment.
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