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Knocked out or Loose Tooth Solutions

Avulsion is a word that describes the complete displacement of a tooth from the socket due to trauma.  An avulsed tooth is a true dental emergency. If you have a tooth knocked out you’ll need a dentist to repair it ASAP, but before you get to the office there are several things you can do.

  • Try your best to keep calm
  • If you can find the knocked out tooth, pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.
  • If the tooth is dirty, wash it for about 3-5 seconds under cold running water.
  • Try to replant the tooth if possible. You can bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position.
  • If you are unable to replant the tooth, place the tooth in a glass of milk. You can also keep it in your mouth between your molars and the inside of your cheek – just don’t swallow it.
  • AVOID storage in water
  • Call the office and see Dr. Hemphill ASAP.

What Will the Dentist do for My Avulsed Tooth?

When a tooth is knocked out, the nerves, blood vessels and supporting tissues get damaged. The nerves and blood vessels can’t be repaired. An avulsed tooth will require a root canal. The good news is the bone can reattach to the root of the tooth once it’s put back in place.

Once you’re at the office Dr. Hemphill will put the tooth back into place. If the tooth or bone is broken, then the process can get more complicated. Dr. Hemphill will flush the socket clean then slip the tooth back into place. It’s important to re-implant the tooth as soon as possible – ideally within an hour of the accident.

Dr. Hemphill may perform a root canal right away, or may wait. It depends on how long the tooth was out of the mouth and other factors. Regardless, the tooth will receive a splint to hold it in place. If the bone around the tooth was not fractured, the root usually will reattach firmly to the bone in about three to four weeks. If the damage is more extensive reattachment may take six to eight weeks of repair time.

A dental chair and equipment in a treatment room at dentistry in West Hill, CT.

What if My Avulsed Tooth Can’t Be Used?

Sometimes too much time has passed or the avulsed tooth is not salvageable. When teeth are broken or fractured below the gum line, it may be best to extract the fragment and insert a dental implant, bridge or a removable dental prosthesis.  For younger adults, implants are the first choice. They function like natural teeth and preserve the integrity of the jawbone.

How to Treat Subluxation or Loose Teeth

Subluxation is a word that describes a traumatic injury in which the tooth has increased mobility, or is loosened, but has not been knocked out or completely displaced from the jawbone.  You may notice bleeding, increased mobility, and sensitivity to touch with a subluxation. A loose tooth is much less concerning than one that’s been knocked out, but you should still see Dr. Hemphill to make sure the damage is not significant. Oftentimes no treatment is required depending on the severity.  When the damage is significant, a splint and root canal therapy may be needed.

Six Common Causes of Loose Teeth

Concerned woman experiencing dental issue.
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