Dental emergencies tend to happen with very little notice, leaving you somewhat in shock and without a clear understanding of how to respond. This is especially true in the case of a dislodged tooth. Knowing how to react can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth.
Residents of Midtown Manhattan, New York, can rely on the services of Cheng H. Tai, DDS, for all types of dental emergencies, including a dislodged tooth. If you experience this form of dental trauma, it’s important to act as quickly as possible.
A dislodged tooth is one that has fully or partially come loose from the connection with your underlying jawbone. A dislodged tooth may fully emerge from the socket or significantly change position.
If your tooth is still in the socket but feels loose or is no longer sitting in the same orientation as before, avoid further moving the tooth. You can place a piece of clean gauze or cloth between your upper and lower teeth to avoid contact while you determine if you can get in for a same-day emergency dental visit with Dr. Tai.
A knocked out, or avulsed, tooth is a dental emergency that requires prompt and careful action. While easier said than done, staying calm will help you move through the following steps with ease.
First, secure your safety. If your tooth was dislodged during a car accident or sports injury, relocate to a safer space to avoid further damage. If you’re bleeding, short of breath, or have chest pain, seek emergency medical assistance right away.
If the damage seems limited to your dental health, try to locate your tooth and pick it up gently. Avoid touching the root portion (which was previously beneath your gumline).
The root portion of your tooth is covered in living cells that greatly enhance the chances of successful reimplantation, so do what you can to leave them intact. If the tooth has dirt or grime on it, rinse it gently and quickly under a slow stream of clean water.
If possible, place your tooth back in the socket. Bite down gently on a piece of cloth or gauze to hold it in place and head to Dr. Tai’s office as soon as possible. You can also place the tooth in a small container of room-temperature milk to keep it moist.
The answer depends on a number of factors, including the condition of your tooth and how long it takes for you to get to our office for an emergency dental visit. Following the steps outlined above is the best way to increase your chances of reimplantation.
That said, if your tooth can’t be saved, there are still options to preserve your smile. Dr. Tai can discuss treatments like dental implants, a dental bridge, or even crowns and root canals if the root portion of your dislodged tooth remains in place.
Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with a dislodged tooth. But if the need arises, booking a visit at Cheng H. Tai, DDS, takes just a few moments. Call our New York City office at 845-640-3806 or request an appointment via our online booking tool.
