If you have a knocked-out tooth, there is no time to waste. It is possible to save your tooth and reinsert it into your smile, but only for a limited time. In general, the first 30 minutes after losing a tooth to dental trauma are crucial. If you follow the proper steps and act fast, you can save your tooth and restore your smile! Be sure to visit an emergency dentist like Dr. Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center as soon as possible.
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 may rinse it gently with water. But 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 key to keeping it healthy.
Before heading to East Longmeadow Family Dental Center for your emergency appointment, 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, if available, using an emergency tooth preservation kit. 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 fact!
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 sets aside time 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, and the second is to keep 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!
To replace your tooth from crown to root, Dr. Zirakian uses dental implants to support restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures!
However, if you’ve already lost bone structure, you may not be eligible for dental implants. Fortunately, Dr. Zirakian can use mini dental implants as a minimally invasive alternative that fits in smaller bone.
Trust Dr. Zirakian To Care for Your Knocked-Out Tooth!
After a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to follow the steps above to give you the best chance at saving your tooth. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian encourages you to take advantage of his emergency dentistry services and contact him as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. Zirakian for an emergency appointment to ensure prompt, effective treatment.
Follow East Longmeadow Family Dental Center on social media to discover the mini dental implant difference!
