Knocked Out Teeth Fullerton, CA
A knocked-out tooth, or knocked-out teeth, can be uncomfortable and can dramatically alter a person's physical appearance. However, when a tooth is knocked out, it can often be repaired if the proper steps are taken quickly. It is imperative to seek care from a well-suited specialist to manage the situation.
Here is important information about knocked-out teeth and how to manage them. For more information about what to do for a knocked-out tooth or immediate care from an endodontist (tooth-saving specialist), our team at Saman Malkami DMD in Fullerton is here to help. Call us at (714) 459-8002 to learn more.
Reasons Teeth Get Knocked Out
Knocked-out teeth are a dental emergency. But, unfortunately, this traumatic dental event happens more often than one might think, too. In fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), more than five million teeth get accidentally knocked out each year.
Most commonly, teeth get knocked out during daily activities or sporting events, according to researchers. Contact sports are especially notorious culprits when it comes to getting teeth knocked out. This is why it is important to wear a mouthguard whenever possible. Other reasons a tooth may get knocked out include falls, motor vehicle collisions, or assaults.
“Contact sports are especially notorious culprits when it comes to getting teeth knocked out”
Do This Right Away
When a tooth is knocked out, a person has the best chance of saving it by following these five steps, according to the AAE:
- If possible, locate the tooth by touching the chewing surface carefully (avoid touching the tooth root).
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off carefully with filtered water. Do not scrub the tooth, apply any soaps, or wrap it up afterward.
- Put the tooth back in its socket immediately and gently push it down. Hold it in place with fingers or teeth.
- Make sure to keep the tooth moist—if it is in the mouth, saliva will keep it moist, but it can also be placed in a container of milk.
- Bring the tooth to an emergency dentist or endodontist appointment. A tooth can be saved even if it has been outside of the mouth for more than an hour, but every minute counts.
It is best to carry out these steps and visit a dental professional within 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it might not be possible to get to a dentist or endodontist within one hour of knocking a tooth out. Still, many endodontists are capable of accommodating a dental emergency when it happens outside of office hours. For this reason, it is always a good idea to call an endodontist for instructions.
“It is best to carry out these steps and visit a dental professional within 30 minutes.”
Why A Person Should Call an Endodontist
If a tooth becomes knocked out, the best option is to call an endodontist immediately. Endodontists are tooth-saving specialists. They receive special emergency training to learn how to preserve a natural tooth, even if it has been knocked out. Seeing an endodontist within 30 minutes can help save a tooth.
Sometimes a knocked out tooth may need a root canal later on after being placed back into the mouth. If an endodontist has fixed a knocked-out tooth, they can also carry out the root canal. An endodontist has the most specialized training when it comes to saving teeth that have been knocked out, which is why contacting one when a tooth is knocked out can make all the difference.
“Sometimes a tooth that has been knocked out may need a root canal later on.”
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How an Endodontist Can Save Knocked Out Teeth
If a person knocks out a tooth, seeing an endodontist as soon as possible may increase the tooth's chance of being salvaged. An endodontist will examine the area and ask questions about how the tooth was knocked out. They will then place the tooth back in the socket.
After replacing the tooth, an endodontist will carefully examine the rest of the mouth to see if there are other injuries, including other chipped or loose teeth, or broken bones. Then, they will place a splint to help stabilize the tooth over a few weeks, so it has the best chance of being saved. Later, the tooth may also need a root canal.
“They will place a splint to help stabilize the tooth over a few weeks, so it has the best chance of being saved.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the most common cause of a knocked-out tooth?
Q. What should a person do if a tooth is knocked out?
Q. What makes an endodontist the best person to save a knocked-out tooth?
Q. What is the procedure for replacing a knocked-out tooth?
Q. What happens after a tooth is replaced?
People Also Ask
Q. What are types of dental trauma?
Q. When is endodontic surgery needed?
Q. What types of tooth damage does an endodontist treat?
Q. What are some common dental emergencies?
After Teeth Have Been Reattached
After reattaching a tooth, it is crucial to follow an endodontist's instructions for how to care for the tooth. An endodontist will likely advise avoiding chewing on the affected side. A modified liquid diet, in which someone only eats soft foods and avoids foods in extreme temperatures, may also help.
An endodontist may also give special recommendations for how to keep the area clean and free of bacteria while it is healing. A person may be instructed to do salt water rinses several times a day. A person may also need antibiotics and a Tetanus shot.
“A person may be instructed to do salt water rinses several times a day.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can a dentist repair a knocked-out tooth?
A. Yes, many dentists can repair a knocked-out tooth. However, endodontists are dental specialists who have received additional training, making them especially well-suited for restoring knocked-out teeth. They focus on preserving natural teeth as much as possible.
Q. Should I wait to reimplant my tooth?
A. No, do not wait for your visit to the endodontist to reinsert your tooth. If you knock out a tooth, you should carefully clean it immediately and then reinsert it in the socket, if possible. Research shows that teeth have the best outcome when they are reinserted within five minutes.
Q. What is the difference between a knocked-out tooth and a tooth avulsion?
A. There is no difference between these two conditions. A "tooth avulsion" is the standard dental term for a knocked-out tooth. Both describe the condition of a tooth being completely removed from its socket.
Q. What happens if I let my tooth dry?
A. A tooth that is allowed to dry out of the socket may not be able to be saved. This is because the tooth pulp and ligament cells, and fibers cannot survive when they become dry. Wet storage (with your saliva or milk) is the best way to save a tooth.
Q. How do I find an endodontist in an emergency?
A. The best thing to do is have someone in mind before an emergency happens. However, your dentist may be able to recommend someone if the injury happens during their business hours. The AAE has an online tool for finding endodontists in your area and from there, you can research their hours of operation and if they are available for emergencies.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Immediately To Save a Tooth
If you require immediate tooth reinsertion or are interested in other endodontic services, contact our team today (714) 459-8002.
Helpful Related Links
- American Association of Endodontists. Knocked Out Teeth. 2024
- Cleveland Clinic. What To Do When You Knock Out a Tooth. 2024
- Emedicinehealth. Broken or Knocked-out Teeth. 2024
- Healthychildren.org. First Aid for a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth. 2024
- Healthnews. Can You Save a Knocked-Out Tooth? 2024
- Mayo Clinic. Tooth loss: First aid. 2024
- MedlinePlus. Broken or knocked out tooth. 2024
- Merk Manuals. Fractured, Loosened, or Knocked-Out Teeth. 2024
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