Losing a tooth is highly confronting and extremely upsetting when it happens. Whether it’s through a sporting injury, unexpected accident, biting into something hard or other unfortunate circumstance, being equipped with how to manage this emergency situation will give you the tools you need to get through this difficult time. This article will look at some steps you can take to preserve a ‘knocked out’ tooth and how to avoid further complications before seeing an emergency dentist.
1. Try Not to Panic
Yes, we know, much easier said than done. The shock of losing a tooth automatically creates a sense of fear, confusion and panic – it’s a normal reaction, and at My Densit Canberra, we can completely understand this. The sharp pain can also feel unbearable and is often accompanied with excessive bleeding, which can make things worse in the moment.
However, before you let panic take control, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Your main priority is to act fast, save your tooth, minimise pain and get to the next stage of the process. Some questions to ask yourself include: Is it a chipped tooth? Is the pulp visible? Has the tooth been knocked out completely? This will help you understand what steps you need to take in this highly charged emergency dental situation.
2. Wash Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water
The next step after addressing your knocked out tooth is to wash your mouth out with warm salt water. Salt (sodium chloride) is a natural anti-bacterial solution that assists in slowing down the growth of bacteria, reducing the chances of the infection from getting worse. If your mouth is feeling overly sensitive, avoid being too vigorous with swishing.
Following this simple step will ensure you keep bacteria at bay until you get to the emergency dentist.
3. Clean Up Bleeding
Not every broken or chipped tooth is accompanied with bleeding but if there is blood present, the first thing you must do is to stop the bleeding with a clean piece of gauze or tissue. Gently bite down on the gauze and continue to apply light pressure until the bleeding stops. This may take up to 15-20 minutes to get the bleeding under control. Avoid taking Aspirin as this will thin the blood and potentially make it worse. Paracetamol or Panadol is the safest and most effective pain relief to take before seeing the dentist.
4. Save Tooth Fragments
First and foremost, if you find any tooth fragments on the ground, rinse it gently in lukewarm water and store in a clean container with either saline solution or milk. This will keep the tooth cells alive for a longer period of time, making reimplantation more successful. Keep in mind, If the root cells get too dry, this can minimise your chances of reattaching the tooth successfully. However, this must be done within 60 minutes of tooth loss for best results. Don’t wait, get yourself to an emergency dentist immediately. What’s wrong with using water?
Water lacks minerals and can damage cells more progressively – ultimately reducing the ability to save your tooth.
5. Cold Compress for Pain & Swelling
Unfortunately, pain, swelling and dull pain is part of the aftermath of losing a tooth. Applying a cold compress on the side of your cheek will reduce inflammation, pain and minimise throbbing. Providing you don’t have any allergies, you can safely take over the counter medications such as Panadol and ibuprofen to buffer the pain. If bleeding is present, avoid taking aspirin, as this will make the bleeding worse. The goal is to remain calm, keep your head elevated and stay as comfortable as possible until you get to the emergency dentist.
6. Avoid Eating Hot & Cold Foods
Until your tooth is assessed and treated by a dental professional, it’s best to avoid eating hot and cold foods. This also includes avoiding sugary sweets and anything that may irritate your mouth further.
Another thing to remember, is to avoid chewing where you lost your tooth – get into the habit of chewing on the opposite side, if you can. Your emergency dentist will also help guide you in the right direction.
7. Book to see an emergency dentist immediately
Seeking an emergency dentist in Canberra after losing a tooth should be your number one priority. This will determine whether or not your tooth can be saved and reattached successfully. The delicate periodontal ligament cells (PDL) on the root begins to die within minutes of losing a tooth – that’s why placing it into a container of milk or saline solution will help keep the root cells alive until you get to the emergency hospital – within 60 minutes, if possible.
Your emergency dentist will properly evaluate your tooth, clean it and reimplant it within the 60-minute timeframe. Seeking immediate dental care will give you the best chance of salvaging your lost tooth.
Common Questions about Knocked out Teeth Emergencies
What should I do when a tooth is knocked out?
The best thing you can do is to remain calm and as relaxed as possible. Locate your tooth, pick it up from the crown and avoid touching the root, as this can destroy the cells that are important for reimplantation. Place it directly into a glass of saline solution or milk to keep the cells alive until you reach your emergency dentist or hospital.
What’s the best way to control excessive bleeding?
Applying gentle pressure with a tissue or gauze will slow down the bleeding. Continue this process until the bleeding subsides and safely get to your emergency dentist. It’s also important to keep your head elevated and not lay down flat, as this will prevent blood clotting in the tooth socket.
Is there a certain timeframe I should get to an emergency dentist?
Time is absolutely imperative when it comes to saving your knocked out tooth. Getting to an emergency dentist within 60 minutes of losing a tooth will ensure a greater chance of successful reattachment.
What If I can’t locate my lost tooth?
If you can’t find your knocked out tooth, don’t delay, get to an emergency dentist as quickly as possible. There’s a chance the tooth may have been swallowed or lodged inside your cheek or gums. The dentist will also do a comprehensive examination to ensure your mouth is free from infection and oral damage.
Is there pain relief I can take before seeing an emergency dentist?
Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol are the best forms of pain relief to take prior to emergency dental care. You can also apply a cold compress to the cheek area to reduce swelling, inflammation and dull tooth ache and pain. Avoid eating and drinking post injury, as this can irritate the gums and surrounding tissue.
My Dentist Canberra is a leading emergency dental clinic specialising in a range of serious dental emergencies. We prioritise emergency appointments to get you out of pain and back to normal quickly.
