When your tooth falls out, as an adult, it can lead to immense stress. While children anticipate the loss of their primary teeth, adults can suffer complications if a tooth falls off. Tooth loss can occur due to trauma, tooth caries, or periodontal infections. Tooth loss has to be countered quickly to maintain oral health and save the lost tooth. Read on to understand how to save the tooth that fell out.
Quick Actions Needed
If your tooth falls out, there are some things you can do to ensure the best outcome. Some helpful actions are as follows:
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Stay Calm and Guage the Situation
The first step is to keep calm. Panic and stress can cause undue complications. Try to gauge the situation; check for other injuries in case of an accident, fall, or trauma.
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Find the Tooth
Retrieve the tooth if it is intact. Hold the tooth by its crown, which is the white part seen in the oral cavity. Do not touch the root; otherwise, you might damage the vital fibers.
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Gently Clean the Tooth
When a tooth falls out, reinsertion is not always possible. In such situations, try to keep the tooth moist. Clean and place the tooth in milk or saline. You can also use your saliva. Do not use water, as it damages the fibers on the root needed for reattachment. Avoid scrubbing or using soap to clean the tooth.
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Reinsert the Tooth if Possible
Try to reinsert the tooth back into its position. Gently push it in the right place. Bite gently on a piece of cotton or cloth. This will hold the tooth in its position.
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Seek Immediate Dental Care
If you have a knocked-out tooth, make sure you visit a dentist within 30-60 minutes. The chance of successful reattachment reduces as time passes.
Understanding the Causes
Understanding the reasons for tooth loss can help you take necessary precautions to avoid such occurrences. Here are common reasons for an adult tooth to fall out:
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Trauma or Injury
Accidents, sudden impacts, or sports injuries can cause tooth loss. Using a mouthguard during such activities can prevent tooth loss, oral fractures, and trauma.
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Periodontal Disease
One of the most common causes of tooth loss is gum disease. It starts with gingivitis, typically seen as swollen and bleeding gums. Gingivitis may progress into periodontitis when the infection spreads to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
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Severe Tooth Decay
If a grossly decayed tooth is ignored, it can drastically weaken the tooth structure and eventually lead to tooth loss.
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Health Conditions
Diabetes, osteoporosis, and some medications affect oral health and increase the chances of tooth loss.
Preventive Measures
Taking measures to maintain oral health can reduce the risk of tooth loss. Here are some preventive measures to consider:
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Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day with appropriate toothpaste (fluoride based is recommended) and flossing them daily. Brushing and flossing prevent plaque accumulation, cavities, and gum infections.
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Regular Dental Check-ups
Visit your dentist at regular intervals for cleanings and dental checkups. Professional scaling removes plaque and calculus that is difficult to remove with only brushing. Routine checkups help with early diagnosis of dental problems and can help prevent severe problems.
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Wear Protective Gear
Participation in any sports or physical activity carries a risk of oral trauma. Consider wearing a mouthguard. Custom-offered mouthguards delivered by dentists are better than over-the-counter mouthguards.
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Manage Underlying Health Conditions
If you suffer from conditions like diabetes, your healthcare provider can aid with treatment, which will help to maintain your oral health.
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Avoid Harmful Habits
Limit sugar and acidic foods and drinks in your diet. They are risk factors for tooth decay. Avoid consumption of tobacco to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Long-Term Solutions
Sometimes, the teeth cannot be replanted back into their position. Your dentist can provide treatment options to restore your smile and oral function. Some options include:
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are an emerging solution for replacing a missing tooth. Implants are surgically placed titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone; they replace the tooth root. A prosthetic crown is attached to this titanium post. This assembly looks natural and is fully functional.
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Dental Bridges
These prosthetics are often used to replace a missing tooth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by remaining natural teeth or implants. Bridges rebuild your smile and tooth function.
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Dentures
When multiple teeth are missing, dentists usually recommend dentures. Partial dentures replace one or some of the missing teeth, while complete dentures may be used when all the teeth need replacement in the upper or lower jaw.
Conclusion
Losing a tooth in adulthood can be stressful, but understanding what to do when a tooth falls out and the preventive measures needed help maintain oral health and prevent future problems. If a tooth is unsavable, many solutions are available to regain the lost smile and function.
Looking for a solution for a knocked-out tooth? Acting quickly and seeking immediate care from an emergency dentist near you at University Ave Dental can improve the chances of restoring your tooth and smile.
Want to learn more about emergency dental solutions? Let professionals help you.
Visit University Ave Dental for emergency dental care. Our experienced team will provide you with the necessary care. Schedule your appointment today, or contact us at 7637841242