Emergency Dentistry for Tooth Loss
Dental emergencies happen. Unfortunately, they usually occur when you least expect them. When an emergency situation involves tooth loss, patients may feel panicked and stressed. A tooth may be partially or fully knocked out, or broken off at the gum line.
At Southern Dental Implant Center, serving Cordova, TN, and Memphis, TN, we provide emergency dentistry for tooth loss. Our doctors are skilled and experienced in treatments for tooth loss, including dental implants. Here, our team discusses what to do if you are faced with a dental emergency.
Sudden or Unexpected Tooth Loss
Gradual tooth loss, as a result of long-term dental issues, is upsetting. But sudden tooth loss can be truly devastating. Even the healthiest dental patients are not immune to dental emergencies.
Maybe you were involved in a car accident. Perhaps a tooth was knocked out during a sports game. Maybe you were walking down the sidewalk and tripped and fell. Whatever the reason, if you lose a tooth, it is important to address the situation as soon as it occurs.
Emergency Treatment for a Knocked-Out Tooth
In some instances, a knocked-out tooth can be replanted and saved. Prompt and timely treatment gives you a better chance of saving your natural tooth.
If you are involved in an emergency in which your tooth is knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it off under warm water. Be sure to hold it by the crown, not the root. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket until you make it to our office. If you cannot do this, then fill a container with saline or milk and place the tooth inside. It is crucial that you make it to the dentist as quickly as you can.
Once you arrive, your dentist will assess the situation. X-rays and scans will likely be taken to ensure there is not more extensive damage. If possible, we will replant your tooth to give it the best chance of survival.
What if My Tooth Cannot Be Saved?
If your tooth cannot be successfully replanted, then it is time to start exploring replacement options. Here are the most common choices:
- Flipper: Only used for temporary measures, a flipper is a removable partial denture. This appliance hides the gap in your smile until you can replace your tooth with a more permanent option.
- Dental bridge: Used for replacing up to three missing teeth in a row, a bridge is a custom restoration consisting of two dental crowns and artificial teeth (pontics). The crowns are anchored to the natural teeth on both sides of the gap, and the pontic replaces the missing tooth.
- Dental implant: Unlike other restorative options, dental implants actually replace the missing root. This promotes bone health and reduces the risk for bone atrophy in the future. A dental implant can be cleaned and used just like a natural tooth. It can even last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Contact Our Practice for More Information
Tooth loss has a direct impact on your appearance and oral health. If you have sustained sudden tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist right away. To schedule an appointment at our Cordova practice, call us at (901) 756-0078 or contact us online anytime.