Dental injuries are fairly common and it is estimated around a quarter of UK children will damage a front tooth. If you have a tooth knocked out playing sport or you fall and lose a tooth, there is a possibility of saving the tooth. Here are some simple steps you can follow:
Dealing with a knocked-out tooth
If you’ve lost a tooth, try to find it and then wipe it clean. Be very gentle, avoid scrubbing and hold the tooth by the crown (the white glossy part) to avoid touching the delicate root. If you can, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and then call your dentist. If you have somebody with you, it may be easier for them to re-implant the tooth for you.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a glass of milk or saline solution or hold it carefully between the inside of you cheek and your gums. This helps to keep the tooth moist.
If you are able to see a dentist very quickly after the incident, it may be possible to save the tooth. Your dentist will place the tooth back in its socket.
Advice for children
The milk teeth are designed to fall out from the age of around 6 years old. If a child loses a tooth before this age in an accident or fall, don’t attempt to re-insert the tooth. Reinserting the tooth may damage the adult tooth growing underneath.
If you need urgent dental attention, our team is ready and waiting to help. Call our friendly receptionists and explain the situation and your symptoms and they will work quickly to get you an appointment as early as possible. We can also offer advice about dental injuries and dealing with tooth pain over the telephone.
Tags: dental emergencies, Dental emergency Central Leeds, Dental emergency Leeds, knocked out tooth
