With the sports reason in full swing, Redmond Dentist Ronald Frost DDS sees more and more dental emergencies, especially when it comes to knocked out and lost teeth. While it’s imperative to quickly see your dentist in such situation, not everyone realizes that there is a potential chance that the tooth can be saved if proper measures are taken. Here are a few tips:
- An avulsed (knocked out) tooth can produce a lot of bleeding, so make sure to apply a clean gauze of cotton ball to the area to stop the hemorrhaging
- Inspect the tooth. If the root appears to be smooth, it is probably not broken. Clean any debris off the tooth by rinsing in saline solution or even better, with your own saliva as it is a natural environment for the tooth.
- Place the tooth back in the socket, applying light pressure. It’s best if you do this no later than 60 minutes after losing the tooth. Lightly bite on a piece of gauze and see your dentist.
- If the root is broken and feels rough, place the tooth in cup with a small amount of saliva (milk could be an alternative) and see your dentist immediately. Time is of the essence here.
- If you feel like you need immediate help, call 911.
- Don’t panic. Even if the tooth can’t be saved, there are plenty of options to help you have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Redmond dentist Dr. Frost provides comprehensive treatment in all areas of dentistry in a comfortable and relaxed environment. The services range from family and cosmetic dentistry to crowns and veneers, to simple cleanings and teeth bleaching. For more information, visit www.ronaldfrostdds.com