Here are three ways that a dentist can save a dislodged or missing tooth. Dentists can apply a composite resin material stabilized via a small wire that is bonded to the tooth. They can also attach orthodontic brackets to the affected teeth to which braces are attached with a thin wire. Another option is to fuse a synthetic gauze or metal mesh to the back of the damaged tooth to stabilize the injured tooth and facilitate healing.

A dislodged tooth can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days to heal. However, with complications it could take drastically longer and each healing time is unique per patient.

If a tooth is totally knocked out of your mouth, time is of the essence. The tooth should be handled very gently, avoid touching the surface itself. If it is dirty, quickly and gently rinse it in cold water (either tap or clean bottled water). Do not use soap or another cleaning agent, and never scrape or brush the tooth. If possible, the tooth should be placed back to its socket as soon as possible. The less time the tooth is out of its socket, the higher the prospect is of saving it. Call a dentist immediately!

If you can’t put the tooth back in its socket, it’s best to place it in milk to stop the surface from drying out. Doing this may keep the living cells moist and alive for a couple of hours. Another option is to carefully put the tooth in the patient’s mouth between the gum and cheek or collect the patient’s own saliva into a cup and place the tooth in it temporarily until going to the dentist. Do not store or transport the tooth in regular water or in a dry cloth/kitchen towel because the surface cells won’t tolerate it and can die, greatly diminishing the long-term prospects for the tooth.

Once the tooth has been replaced in its socket, your dentist will evaluate it and can check for other dental and facial injuries. Your dentist will clean it carefully and replace it if the tooth has not been placed back into its socket. A stabilizing splint will be placed for a couple of weeks. Depending on the stage of root development, your endodontist or dentist may start passage treatment a week or two later. A medication could also be placed inside the tooth followed by a permanent passage filling at a later date.

The length of time the tooth was out of the mouth, and therefore the way the tooth was stored before reaching the dentist, considerably influences the probability of saving the tooth. Again, immediate treatment is essential. Taking these factors into consideration, your dentist, pediatric dentist, or endodontist may discuss other treatment options with you.

If you or someone you know has a dislodged tooth, come to Ideal Endodontics today! Our kind and professional staff are experienced in treating dislodged teeth, and can help you keep them healthy! To speak with one of our specialists, contact our office today. Visit us online or simply call us to book an appointment.