Having a broken tooth can be a distressing experience for patients in Syracuse, Utah. Read the following guide to find out what you should do if you have had a tooth knocked out. Acting quickly can help save the tooth and allow you to restore your natural smile.
For Adults
If you are an adult and have a knocked out tooth or broken tooth, do the following:
Step One: Only Hold The Crown Of The Tooth
The crown of the tooth is the white part that sticks out above the gumline. If you have a broken tooth or your tooth has been knocked out, you should only hold this part of it. Try to avoid allowing your fingers to come into contact with the root as this may create complications when re-inserted.
Step Two: Lick It Clean
The next step is to lick it clean (so long as it hasn’t fallen into anything hazardous). If you can’t lick it clean, rinse it under cold running water for less than 10 seconds. This will help to get rid of any opportunistic bacteria that could attack the tooth.
Step 3: Try To Reinsert The Tooth
If the tooth has come out of its socket, try to reinsert it. The gum will naturally attempt to health around over the following hours.
If it won’t go back in its hole, you have several options for storing it before you take it to your dentist. You can:
- Store it in a glass of milk
- Store it in your saliva by spitting into a small cup
- Store it on the side of your cheek until you see a dentist. (Be careful not to swallow if you use this method).
For Children
If you do not know whether your child has lost an adult or a baby tooth, put it in their saliva or milk, and take it to the dentist.
What Happens At The Dentist?
Once you reach the dentist in Syracuse, Utah, he or she will then look for ways to ensure that it heals correctly. If you put your tooth back in your mouth, the dentist will check that it is in the right position, moving it if necessary. They may also offer a device to help it stay in place for a few days.
If your tooth won’t stay in the socket, or if you brought it separately in milk or saliva, they will first clean it up and then attempt to reinsert it. Sometimes if reinsertion is difficult, they will prepare a splint on the teeth either side to hold it in place for you.
If a broken tooth cannot be replaced, then your dentist will introduce you to various tooth replacement options. These might include a bridge, dentures, or inserting dental implants. How your dentist proceeds will depend on your individual circumstances.
In conclusion, fixing a broken tooth in Syracuse, Utah, is possible. However, it requires you to act fast by following the steps discussed above. Always seek dental attention immediately if you have had a tooth knocked out, as it is a dental emergency.
