When you are playing sports, riding a bike, even walking down the street, even if you are being careful and wearing appropriate gear, accidents sometimes happen. An impact to the mouth or face could result in a knocked out tooth. If this happens, contact an emergency dentist and take a few steps. If you act promptly, you might be able to return your smile as closely as possible to the way it was before. 

3 Steps to Take After Experiencing a Missing Tooth

1. Locate the Tooth

You should first retrieve the missing tooth. Your dentist may be able to reset it into your gum, rather than replacing it with an appliance. Pick it up by its crown rather than the root. Handling the root can cause attachment damage, and bacteria from your hands could lead to pulp necrosis. Rinse the tooth gently but thoroughly under a faucet, but be careful that it doesn't get washed down the drain. Do not scrub it or use alcohol, peroxide, or soap. 

2. Try to Reset It

Once it is clean, you should attempt to replant the tooth into the socket. Insert it root first, and hold it in place with your finger or bite down gently with your other teeth. However, you should skip this step if a child's primary tooth is knocked out because it will eventually be replaced by an "adult" tooth.

3. Keep the Tooth Moist

The root and pulp contain nerves and blood vessels that must remain moist until your dentist has a chance to examine you. If you cannot replant the tooth, instead place it in a small plastic bag and cover with milk. If milk is unavailable, store in your mouth between your cheek and gum, but take care not to swallow it. You may also wrap it in a damp cloth. However, root surface cells cannot tolerate tap water for long periods, so see your dentist immediately.

If you've lost or broken a tooth due to impact or trauma, contact the experienced dentists at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Keller, TX. They serve patients in and around Tarrant County, specializing in wisdom teeth extraction, oral surgery, bone grafting, and dental implants. They are renowned throughout the region for their skillful, compassionate care and the calming environment of their office and examination rooms. Learn more about them by visiting their website or call (817) 741-2200 to schedule a dentist appointment.