It can happen in an instant: a blow to the mouth so violent, it knocks out a tooth. This is can be a traumatizing experience and you definitely need immediate care. At Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria, we can help!
If you venture on to a playing field, even if it’s only for touch football, it can happen. It might also be the result of a household accident. Regardless, if it happens, here it what you should do:
1. Find the Tooth
You may be in panic mode, so try to remember asking for help. When you find the tooth, handle it carefully. Keep it in the best condition possible.
We may be able to reinsert it.
2. Don’t Touch the Root!
Remember to NOT touch the tooth by the root. Only hold it by the crown – the chewing part. It’s okay to gently rinse the tooth in water, but don’t scrub it or remove any tissue fragments.
This is crucial and bears repeating: do not remove any tissue from the tooth. That bloody goo is valuable. It can help your tooth re-attach.
At this point, the best place for the tooth is back in the socket. If you decide to put it there, place it gently. It may not be possible, so don’t force it. If it’s an injured child, don’t even try.
3. Keep the Tooth Safe
Holding the tooth between the lip and gum or under the tongue is a good option, but be careful you don’t swallow it. If neither of these is possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or wrap it in cloth moistened with saliva.
4. Get To The Dentist ASAP!
Remember, a knocked out tooth is a clear-cut dental emergency, and you’re in a race against the clock. If you receive treatment within an hour, chances are good the tooth can be saved.
At Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria we offer emergency dentistry, along with complete family dentistry services. Call ahead if you can, but if there’s a knocked out tooth, getting here as soon as you can is the main thing! Patients from Mt. Vernon and Alexandria have alleviated stressful emergencies at our practice. Contact us today!
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
