What Do I Do If I’ve Chipped or Knocked out a Tooth?

Accidents happen, but sometimes they can have harmful effects on your teeth. Car accidents, sports injuries, falls, and hard foods can all lead to a tooth being knocked out or broken. When a tooth is avulsed, it is important to see your dentist right away as this is considered a dental emergency. But as your make your way to the dentist’s office, there are a few steps you can take to preserve the avulsed tooth and tend to your mouth.

Only touch the crown of the tooth

If your entire tooth falls out, it is important not to handle the roots of the tooth and only touch the crown portion. Touching the roots of a tooth can lead to possible nerve damage and make the tooth less likely to be salvaged.

Store the tooth

To lessen the chance of contaminating the avulsed tooth, place it either in your mouth – between your lips and gums or back in its socket – or place the tooth in a storage container with a bit of milk.

Do not try to clean the tooth

Trying to remove any debris or cleaning the tooth with liquid solutions risks damaging the tooth and its roots. Once the tooth is knocked out, store it in a container and deliver it, as is, to your dentist’s office. Your dentist will have a better chance of fixing your avulsed tooth if it is free of any contamination.

Apply a cold compress

It is normal to experience pain when your tooth breaks or comes loose. To alleviate any discomfort, apply a cold compress to your mouth or gums as needed.

Use gauze

Take a generous amount of gauze and apply it to the tooth socket. This will help control any bleeding until you can receive proper care at your dentist’s office.

Call your dentists in San Antonio!

If your tooth has been broken or knocked out, or if you are experiencing another type of dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Craig Wright and Dr. Andy De la Garza at Windcrest Cosmetic Dentistry!