What To Do if You Lose an Adult Tooth

Losing a tooth can be traumatic. The most common causes of tooth loss are decay, infection, and trauma. If you lost a tooth due to decay or infection, it cannot be saved, and you will need a partial bridge or a dental implant to restore your smile. If you lost a tooth during an accident or trauma to the face, an emergency dentist in River Forest, IL, can help. Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann at River Forest Dental Studio may be able to save the tooth, eliminating the need for a false tooth.

What To Do Immediately After Losing a Tooth

If an emergency dentist can save your tooth, you need to care for it properly before getting to their office. The following steps will keep the tooth healthy, increasing the chance of your dentist saving the tooth.

1. Carefully pick up the tooth: You should avoid touching the root because it can be easily damaged. If the root is damaged, the tooth cannot be saved.

2. Clean the tooth: Hold it by the upper part and rinse it with milk if the tooth is dirty. If you don't have milk in your refrigerator, warm water will work. Don't try to dry the tooth after because it can damage the tooth.

3. Keep the tooth moist: The tooth needs to remain moist if it is going to be saved. The easiest way to do this is to store it in milk until you get to the dentist's office. If you don't have milk, place the tooth between your cheek and gums. You can also store the tooth in a cup of your own saliva.

4. Slip the tooth back into the socket: The best way to protect your tooth is to slip it into the socket if possible. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way, and don't try to force it. If you cannot get the tooth into the socket with minimal pressure, the tips listed above will be effective.

5. Call an emergency dentist immediately: You don't have much time between the time you lose the tooth and your dentist putting it back in your mouth. An emergency dentist can see you the same day, increasing the chance of saving the tooth.

What Can An Emergency Dentist Do?

The treatment option your dentist chooses depends on many factors, including the tooth's condition and how long it has been out of your mouth.

First, they will flush the tooth with water to remove any debris from the socket. Next, the dentist will put the tooth back into the socket and splint the tooth with a composite or a soft wire. The splint will need to remain in your mouth for several days. As long as the bone around the tooth wasn't fractured, the root should attach within six to eight weeks. In some cases, your dentist will need to perform a root canal.

You will need a follow-up visit in three to six months to ensure the root is holding and there are no signs of infection.

If you lose a tooth due to trauma, schedule an appointment with River Forest Dental Studio immediately after the tooth falls out. Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann will do everything possible to save the tooth. To schedule an appointment, call (708) 366-6760.