Dental Accidents – Lost Tooth 101

As summer draws near in southern Utah County, so does the chance of injury to the mouth, gums and teeth. One of the more common injuries from impact, falls, etc., is a lost tooth. With proper first aid and timing in getting to your Spanish Fork dentist, permanent teeth that have been knocked out can be saved.

If a baby tooth is lost, can it be saved?

If a baby tooth is knocked out, the tooth will not be re-implanted, as this can damage the permanent tooth as it grows in. Nonetheless, the child should be seen to ensure that there are no further injuries to the mouth, gums and surrounding teeth. In this case, call your dentist after the injury and get ready for the tooth fairy, who will be visiting your child. Word on the street is that this visit from the tooth fairy tends to be very generous for teeth that were lost in an accident, etc.

What about a permanent tooth?

Unlike baby teeth when lost, which cannot be replaced into the mouth, permanent teeth can and should be whenever possible. If a permanent tooth is lost, proper care can mean the difference between losing the tooth permanently or the dentist being able to replace it.

Steps to take when a permanent tooth is lost

Find and carefully handle the tooth. Only handle the tooth by the crown. Avoid touching the root. Clean the tooth gently and prepare it for re-implantation by keeping tooth moist. If possible, place tooth in clean milk. Water is an option if milk is not available, but not a great substitution for an extended period. If neither milk nor water is available, put the cleaned tooth into the mouth and hold it between molars and cheek. Don’t so this if there is a risk that the tooth would be swallowed, i.e. if the person is agitated, etc.

Call your dentist for an immediate appointment. Successful re-implantation requires seeing a dentist within an hour or so. You do have your favorite dentist in Spanish Fork, Dr. Rogers, as one of your contacts in your phone, right? If not, take a moment to do so, just in case.