What You Should And Shouldn't Do After A Tooth Is Knocked Out
Posted on: 17 July 2018
Getting a tooth knocked out isn't an experience that anyone wants to go through, but it is nonetheless a fairly common occurrence for athletes, during accidents, or in car crashes. If you or someone you care about have had a tooth knocked out, it's important to take the right steps while preparing to see a dentist. Here's what you should and shouldn't do following a tooth being knocked out.
Preserve the Tooth
In many cases, the tooth that was knocked out can be put back in if you see a dentist quickly enough. Contact an emergency dentist and collect the tooth. The tooth needs to be kept damp using something with a gentle pH level that won't cause damage to the internal tissues of the tooth, like milk or a tooth-preserving solution. You will still need to get to the dentist as soon as possible, but this step can potentially save you the trouble of needing a new replacement crown.
Get Pain Relief
No matter how the tooth was knocked out, discomfort is sure to follow. You can ease the pain by using a topical pain reliever, like a numbing gel. You can also take oral pain medicine like acetaminophen. However, you should consider skipping ibuprofen or aspirin if you're still experiencing bleeding; these two medications can thin the blood, resulting in more bleeding.
Don't Use Pressure
Applying pressure to the gums is common sense following an oral surgery to reduce bleeding, but with a knocked out tooth it can be dangerous. Shards of tooth are often left behind in or on the gums, and applying pressure could cause more damage to the gums if they are cut or scratched by these abrasive pieces. You can put a piece of gauze on top of the site to help absorb blood and slow the flow of bleeding, but don't purposefully push down on it.
Don't Slosh
Lastly, don't try to rinse your mouth out by sloshing until after you've seen a dentist. Once again, tooth fragments may be still stuck to your gums. These can come out if you slosh, which can induce a choking hazard. In addition, your dentist may need those shards in order to properly put your tooth back in place. If you accidentally swallow them or spit them out, you may need a dental crown.
Getting a tooth knocked out isn't fun, but it doesn't have to ruin your oral health or result in a large bill. Get in touch with an emergency dentist as soon as you can to seek treatment to have your missing tooth repaired. Acting quickly is important, so don't try to wait for your regular dentist to see you. You can contact dental clinics like Cross Creek Family Dental for more information.
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