Did you know that advanced periodontitis (gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? However, it’s not the only reason you might lose a permanent pearly white. Other oral issues, like cavities, physical trauma, other medical issues, and genetic conditions can also contribute to gaps in your grin.
It’s natural to panic if you’ve just lost a tooth, but it’s important to try to clear your head so you can take the appropriate actions to save your smile. Continue reading to learn 4 steps to get the help you need to address your emergency!
Step #1: Find the Pieces
The first thing to do once you notice a tooth missing is to try to find it. There may be pieces in your mouth if you sustained a blow to the face during a sporting activity or bit into something that shattered your enamel, so be careful not to swallow them.
Also, try to touch only the crown (the tooth-shaped portion), rather than the roots. Otherwise, you might damage the viable cells needed for it to reintegrate successfully with your jawbone.
Step #2: Clean Your Mouth
If you’ve been hurt or are bleeding, you should rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water to naturally disinfect bacteria and prevent an infection. You should also rinse the tooth with running water to remove dirt and debris, but don’t use soap or harsh chemicals to clean it.
Place it in an airtight container or baggy with a small amount of milk or your saliva to preserve it long enough to get to your dentist’s office.
Step #3: Reseat It if Possible
Depending on your circumstances, there’s a chance you can place your tooth back into your jaw to keep it safe until your appointment. This is usually only recommended if the enamel isn’t damaged and there are no sharp or jagged edges to worry about.
To reseat it, gently push it into its socket with your fingers, and then bite down slowly to settle it in place. This is a great way to preserve the cells on the roots until you arrive for your scheduled examination.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
If you haven’t already, call your emergency dentist to let them know what happened. They’ll schedule a visit to get you in the same day, because your dislodged tooth only remains viable for about 30 to 60 minutes outside of your mouth.
Be sure to arrive on time so you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary for some much-needed relief. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic and/or sedation to ease any discomfort before examining your condition and proposing potential treatment plans.
Thankfully, your dentist has several ways to replace missing teeth, so whatever the outcome of your appointment, they can give you a healthy, happy smile you can count on.
About the Practice
At Athens Dental Associates, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists with over 40 years of combined experience. Dr. Lindsey, Dr. Carter, and Dr. Moon collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including same-day emergency appointments. They also offer multiple types of sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable, regardless of the reason for your visit. If you’ve lost an adult tooth and need help, you can request an appointment on the website, though it’s best to call the office at (706) 549-1370.