Accidents happen, but if you get a tooth knocked out it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doomed to live with a gap in your smile. With quick thinking and swift action on your part, we have a good chance of implanting your tooth and having it grow back in place. Even if your tooth is damaged beyond repair, we have multiple ways of replacing it and making your smile look like it did before the accident ever happened.
EMERGENCY ACTION FOR TOOTH LOSS
Time is critical if you lose a permanent tooth. Following the rules about saving a tooth is crucial, but you’ll have a better chance of it growing back in place if you get to our office quickly. The main idea is to preserve the tooth in the best condition possible, leaving it ready to be implanted. Start by picking up the tooth, but only handle it by the crown or top of the tooth. Don’t touch any part of the root. Do a quick visual inspection to see if the tooth is chipped; if it’s dirty, gently rinse the tooth in a bowl of warm water for no longer than 10 seconds. Never hold the tooth under running water, as that could kill the cells needed to reattach it to your jaw.
Once the tooth is free of debris, fit it into the tooth socket. If it won’t fit all the way into place, put a piece of moistened paper towel or gauze over it before gently biting down to hold the tooth in place. Keep it there until you reach the dentist.
If you can’t fit the tooth into the socket at all, hold it between your gum and cheek. If the patient is a young child and not likely to keep the tooth in place, store it in a container of cold milk. If your regular dentist isn’t available, go to the emergency room. Implantation is almost always unsuccessful if attempted after two hours, so it’s important to seek care as soon as possible after the accident happens.
ALTERNATIVE REPLACEMENT METHODS
If your tooth is seriously damaged, if you can’t find it or if you lose it far away from access to medical care, you’ll need an alternative method of repairing your smile. Four of the most common replacement methods we offer include:
- Removable partial dentures, which are worn during the day
- Temporary dentures, which are generally used before being fitted with a more permanent solution
- A bridge, which is a short series of teeth permanently cemented in place
- An implant, which is a single replacement tooth attached to the jawbone
Out of all of these solutions, the removable partial denture is the least expensive option while the implant is the most realistic permanent fix, often looking exactly like the missing tooth and fitting seamlessly into your smile.
When you’re ready to tackle those big dental procedures, only the most skilled Houston prosthodontists will do. Maple Leaf Dental can turn back time, replacing your damaged teeth with artificial ones that even your mother won’t notice. Call us at (281) 497-5558 or email us to get started. Your smile won’t wait forever!
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