When you knock out a tooth, it may be alarming to most. If your child knocks out a tooth due to a sport, accident, or fall, receiving emergency dentistry in Boca Raton can help yousave the tooth.
It is essential to know what to do before reaching the dentist to save your smile and not cause greater damage.
What to Do Right After a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
If you know how to manage a knocked-out tooth in the moment, you may save your natural tooth. Follow these steps carefully:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root
- Use water to rinse it gently when dirty, but do not scrub or wash with soap
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth
- If reinserting, store it in milk or saliva, not water
- Go to the dentist within 30 minutes to 60 minutes to save the tooth
If you act quickly, your dentist has a good chance of reattaching the tooth.
When Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist?
It is important to know when to visit an emergency dentist for a knocked-out tooth. You should seek immediate care if:
- The tooth is completely out of the socket
- The tooth is loose or displaced
- You’re experiencing heavy bleeding or swelling
- You have severe pain that doesn’t improve
Uncertain? Call any emergency dental office and get your issues sorted out. A little delay would result in a damaged tooth caused by an infection or nerve problem, which can lead to a permanent loss of the tooth.
How Does Emergency Dentistry in Boca Raton Help in These Cases?
Getting emergency dentistry in Boca Raton can make a huge difference in tooth survival. Dentists can work through traumatic injuries that bleed or have knocked-out teeth.
When you visit for an emergency, the dentist may:
- Reinsert and stabilize your tooth
- Take X-rays to check for bone or root damage
- Recommend antibiotics to prevent infection
- Discuss root canal treatment if the nerve is affected
Getting emergency treatment quickly can ease pain, avoid problems down the road, and get your smile back.
Why Should You Always Have a Dentist Near You?
When you need immediate dental treatment, you can visit a dentist near you, because they can give you timely care so you won’t waste precious time.
Benefits of having a nearby dentist include:
- Immediate response during accidents
- Easier access to follow-up visits
- Better treatment decisions with familiarity with your dental history
Make sure you have your dentist’s phone number saved in your phone for a dental emergency.
Can Knocked-Out Teeth Always Be Saved?
Not all knocked-out teeth can be saved, but if you act fast, some of them can be saved. The success rate depends on:
- The time for which the tooth was out
- How long was it stored with milk or saliva
- The condition of the socket
If your tooth can’t be saved, a dentist in Boca Raton will restore your smile with implants, bridges, cosmetic bonding, or combinations.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Immediately
Here’s a summary of what to remember:
Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
1 | Pick up the tooth by the crown | Prevents root damage |
2 | Rinse gently with water | Removes dirt safely |
3 | Reinsert or store in milk | Keeps root cells alive |
4 | Visit a dentist ASAP | Increases survival chances |
Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Smile
A knocked-out tooth does not mean that it is gone for good; quick and immediate care can help you save it. Stay calm, protect the tooth, and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
At Harris Dentistry, we always do our best to save your natural teeth with our quick and compassionate emergency care. If you or a family member has a dental emergency, call our office for professional help and peace of mind.