There are moments in life that we can’t predict. For most of us, having a tooth knocked out, or ‘avulsed’, is one of those unpredictable moments.
Avulsion can result from tripping when you walk, unexpected impact while playing sports, or maybe even a glass door that you didn’t notice was closed. One of the most common ways to knock out a tooth is on a pool deck, or on its edge.
But however a tooth is knocked out, the important thing is that you know what to do to optimise the chance that your precious tooth can be saved!
If you act quickly, there’s a good chance to save an avulsed tooth.
Be prepared to contact True Dental Care Preston IMMEDIATELY!
No matter how well prepared you are for a knocked-out tooth and no matter how calm and collected you stay, if you aren’t able to contact your True Dental Care Preston Dentist quickly (preferably within 30 minutes), you will likely lose a knocked-out tooth.
At True Dental Care Preston, we understand how crucial a dental emergency is. Our job is to make sure that you and your family are prepared and secure, particularly in a dental emergency. If you or your loved ones have a dental emergency, True Dental Care Preston is your emergency dentist in Preston.
Same day emergency appointments available in Preston!
Immediate treatment
Clean the tooth. The proper way to remove debris from the root of an avulsed tooth is to rinse it in cold water (either tap or clean bottled water), being careful not to scrub or scrape it. If the root appears clean, grasp the crown between your thumb and first finger with the smooth flat surface forward.
Replanting the tooth. Try slipping the tooth back into its socket. In some cases, it will slide right in. Make sure it’s facing the right way. Do not replant the primary tooth of a young child.
Get the tooth to the dentist’s office. If replanting is not possible, control bleeding with pressure, place the tooth in either cold milk or the patient’s own saliva and get to a dentist as quickly as possible. There are several steps to transporting an avulsed tooth:
- Keep the tooth moist and protected as you travel to your Preston dentist. Place the tooth under your tongue or along the inside cheek area. Children may swallow their tooth if it is kept in their mouth. You will need to supervise them carefully or transport the tooth in a container.
- If a tooth cannot be held in the mouth, it can be placed in a clean container or baggie containing some milk, water, saline, or saliva.
- There are products on the market for protecting avulsed teeth. They can be placed in your dental emergency kit.
No matter how it is done, any tooth that is completely knocked out should be replanted as soon as possible.
What Can a Dentist Do?
Normally, a dentist’s first step will be to use water to flush any remaining debris from the socket and slip the avulsed tooth back into place.
A root canal may be performed immediately or at a later date. Your dentist will splint the knocked-out tooth to the teeth on one side or the other. This splint will hold the avulsed tooth in place for a couple of days.
The root commonly attaches to the bone in less than a month, but more serious damage may require 6 up to 8 weeks. Your dentist will ask to examine the repaired tooth again after a period of 3 to 6 months.
If everything looks good, your dentist will put you back on a regular schedule of visits.
After Care
Your dentist may recommend aspirin or acetaminophen for pain. Antibiotics may also be given to prevent infection. Don’t rinse your mouth, spit, or smoke for the first 24 hours after surgery. You should limit food to a soft diet for the next few days.
Beginning 24 hours after reinsertion, gently rinse your mouth with salt and lukewarm water every one to two hours. The salt helps reduce swelling in the adjacent tissues.
Dental Health in Preston
True Dental Care Preston was founded on a passion for beautiful, healthy smiles.
Our team is composed of Australian trained dentists, nurses, and a prosthetist.
We offer general dentistry, implants and cosmetic dentistry, and emergency services. These services are given in our advanced facility with highly trained staff and cutting-edge technology.
You can find us near the corner of Donovan St and Bell St, a convenient 25 meters from the Bell Train Station! Our convenient offices are on the ground floor.
Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Preston
Call (03) 9131 5952 or visit us at 358 Bell St in Preston.
