Don’t Delay!
QUICK ACTION CAN SAVE THE TOOTH
Accidents do occur and teeth are knocked out. With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be successfully replanted and last for years. It’s important to contact Choice Dental as soon as possible after the tooth is knocked out. If a tooth is knocked out, remain calm and act quickly.
The following steps should be taken:
- Call your dentist Immediately – TIME IS CRITICAL
- Handle it by the crown only (not the root) and ensure it is clean. The crown is the smooth white part of the tooth that is normally visible in the mouth. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone reattachment.
- If the root is dirty, and the patient is calm and conscious, they can gently suck the tooth clean. Alternatively, rinse the tooth in milk or very briefly, in water. DO NOT scrape or rub the root surface.
- Immediately replant the tooth in the socket making sure the tooth is facing the right way around. Time is critical and immediate replacement is best, but should ideally not be delayed beyond 30 minutes.
- assist with holding the tooth in place the patient can bite gently on gauze or a soft cloth. Aluminium foil may also be used to help stabilise the tooth.
- If you are unable to replant the tooth, keep it moist. If the patient is able to do so, place the clean tooth in their mouth between the cheek and the gum alternatively in a cup of milk or seal it in plastic wrap.
Points to remember:
- Do not hold the tooth by the root surface.
- Do not scrape or rub the root surface.
- Do not let the tooth dry out.
- Do not put the tooth in ice.
- Avoid rinsing or storing the tooth in water for more than a one or two seconds.
- Do not remove any tissue or gum fragments from the tooth
