Dental injuries can happen suddenly in a variety of situations from sports to accidents. In the moment it is easy to panic and fail to take the right steps that could make all the difference when it comes to saving the tooth.
In this article we will outline the best course of action if a tooth is broken or knocked out. By taking the necessary steps you can increase the chances of saving the tooth, avoiding more costly dental treatment and preserving your oral health.
Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
Do your best to remain calm, and assess the injury. Determine if the tooth is chipped, broken, loose, or completely knocked out of the socket. Each situation requires different action, so it is important to find out exactly what you are dealing with. Bleeding, pain, and swelling are all common symptoms associated with any of these dental injuries. As long as the situation is not life threatening, proceed with the following steps according to the type of injury.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Chipped or Broken
- Gather any tooth fragments you can find and save them in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
- Rinse your mouth carefully with lukewarm water or salt water.
- Call your dentist or endodontist for professional assistance. An endodontist specializes in dental trauma and may offer the best chance of saving your natural tooth.
The next steps are determined by the severity of the situation. A broken tooth will need immediate treatment. A small chip in a tooth may be able to wait until the following day or when the office opens if the injury occurred after hours.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
- Carefully handle the tooth by the crown only. Avoid touching the roots. Carefully rinse the tooth.
- Place the tooth back in the socket if possible and bite down on some clean gauze.
- If reinserting the tooth is not possible, place it in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
- Call your dentist or endodontist for professional assistance. An endodontist specializes in dental trauma and may offer the best chance of saving your natural tooth.
In the case of a knocked out tooth, seek treatment as soon as possible. The longer the tooth remains out of the socket, the lower the chances of saving it. Be sure to store it properly to avoid letting it dry out.
When to Seek Emergency Endodontic Care
In case of a broken or knocked out tooth, you should seek emergency endodontic care as soon as possible. The same applies to severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or damage to the tissues surrounding the affected tooth.
If the injury occurs after regular office hours, follow the instructions on the after hours voicemail and someone will contact you. Once the urgency of the situation is determined, further instructions will be given regarding treatment.
How Endodontic Treatment Can Help Save an Injured Tooth
Dental trauma can threaten the health of a tooth from the inside. At the center of a tooth there is soft tissue called dental pulp, made up of blood vessels and nerves that sustain the tooth. If the dental pulp is damaged or develops an infection, the tooth is in danger. Tooth-saving procedures include:
- Root canal. The dental pulp is removed and the tooth is filled with a replacement material to prevent infection.
- Surgical endodontics. Surgical procedures such as an apicoectomy are sometimes necessary to save the tooth.
- Pulpectomy or pulpotomy. Similar to a root canal, these procedures also treat the dental pulp but to a lesser extent.
- Stabilization. A knocked out tooth can be stabilized by splinting it to the neighboring teeth while the tissues heal.
Preventing Dental Injuries in the Future
Preventing dental injuries is the best case scenario. The following can help you avoid trauma in a variety of situations:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or doing any potentially risky activities.
- Avoid chewing hard objects or using your teeth as tools.
- See your dentist for regular checkups every 6 months.
Take Fast Action to Protect Your Smile After a Dental Injury
Don’t wait to seek treatment in case of a dental injury. The sooner you see a professional, the better the chances of saving your natural tooth. At Apex Endodontic Studio we specialize in dental trauma, providing fast and effective treatment to restore your comfort and oral health. Call 407-933-0885 right away if you or someone in your care is in need of emergency endodontic treatment. For non-urgent questions or appointments, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
How quickly should I see a specialist after knocking out a tooth?
You should contact a specialist immediately. Early treatment from an expert improves outcomes.
Can a broken tooth always be saved?
Outcomes depend on the severity of the damage and how quickly treatment begins. In some cases a broken tooth can be repaired, but in other cases the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced.
Apex Endodontic Studio provides specialized care for dental injuries in Kissimmee, FL. Through the use of advanced technology and techniques, Dr. Douglas and her team provide effective treatment that offers the best chance of saving your natural teeth. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.