What To Do if You’ve Broken or Lost a Tooth

Accidents occur all the time. Even if you are a very cautious person, you never know when something may happen. Accidents involving teeth are more common than you realize. People can crack or lose teeth in a variety of situations such as a car crash, in a fall, due to a sports injury, or even just biting down on something hard. If teeth are damaged, it is important not to panic and do the following:

If a Tooth is Knocked Out

First, find and gather the tooth or any fragments. Teeth need to be handled carefully in order to be re-implanted. You should only touch the crown of the tooth, not the root and, if necessary, rinse the tooth with water.

Next, reinsert the tooth. First rinse your mouth with warm water and, if the tooth is still intact, reinsert it into the socket and bite down on gauze to make sure it stays in place. If the tooth is unable to be reinserted, store it in whole milk or between your cheek and gums to keep it from getting dry.

It’s also important to treat any symptoms. If your mouth is bleeding, hold gauze or a cloth to the source. For any swelling or pain, apply a cold compress. If the pain lingers, try taking aspirin or another pain reliever.

Finally, see your local dentist. Losing a tooth is a serious matter, and only a dentist will be able to help. Even if you were able to reinsert your tooth, you should still see your dentist to make sure everything is okay.

If a Tooth is Broken or Cracked

A tooth that is badly broken could have exposed nerve endings. To avoid possible infection and to alleviate the pain, you need to see a dentist as quickly as you can. If your tooth is chipped, and if there is a jagged or sharp edge that could cut your lips or tongue, it's important to have it fixed.

If your teeth are damaged in an accident, the best thing you can do is stay calm, follow the tips above, and give your Grand Rapids, MI dentist a call. If you would like more information about emergency dental care, contact Dr. SamuelBander today!