Table of Contents

• What to Do If You Have a Dislodged Tooth
• Can a Dislodged Tooth Be Reattached? 
• Prosthetic Options If Your Dentist Can’t Save the Tooth
• Providing Comprehensive Care for a Dislodged Tooth

Losing an adult tooth can be a jarring and unexpected experience, leaving you feeling shocked and unsure of what to do next. While permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, accidents, injuries, or underlying dental issues can sometimes lead to a tooth becoming dislodged. The good news is that with prompt and proper care, it’s often possible to save a dislodged tooth.

This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to take if you or someone you know experiences a dislodged tooth, from immediate actions at the scene of the incident to seeking professional dental help. Understanding these crucial steps can significantly improve the chances of successful re-implantation and protect your oral health.

What to Do If You Have a Dislodged Tooth

Losing an adult tooth is incredibly distressing. Whether you lost it while playing a contact sport, from an accidental fall, or sudden impact, it is always unexpected and causes major stress. Knowing what to do immediately following this accident is essential for saving a dislodged tooth and protecting your long-term oral health. If you’re dealing with a dislodged tooth, follow these steps to protect it and your overall oral health:

• Contact Your Dentist: The first step after losing an adult tooth is to contact your dentist. If you are unable to make this call yourself, have a loved one contact your dental office to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you see your dentist, the higher your chances are of restoring the tooth. 
• Clean the Tooth: If the tooth is not in your mouth, it is essential that you clean it. Handle it by the biting edge and rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it, as this can remove any attached tissue. Once cleaned, place it back in the socket and bite down gently. If you cannot replace it in the socket, store it in a container of saline solution or milk. 
• Use a Cold Compress: It isn’t uncommon to experience swelling and increased pain after losing a tooth. Take a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth and apply it to your cheek in 15-minute increments to help calm any inflammation and alleviate discomfort following your accident without irritating your skin. 
• Take Pain Medication: If the cold compress is not sufficient for alleviating your discomfort, you may want to consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to package instructions until you can visit your dentist for professional care. 

Time is your most valuable resource when trying to care for a dislodged tooth. Don’t wait to reach out to your dentist. Your tooth is in an incredibly vulnerable state immediately after falling out, and your dentist’s expert care can make all the difference in restoring it. 

Can a Dislodged Tooth Be Reattached? 

If you have a dislodged tooth, you may worry that the tooth cannot be restored. If you’ve lost a tooth as a result of decay or poor oral hygiene, restoration of the natural tooth may not be an option. Instead, you’ll want to talk to your dentist about prosthetic restoration, which can help you restore your oral health. 

However, in some cases, the tooth may be far too damaged to reattach. If you reach out to your dentist as soon as possible following the injury, there is a greater chance of reattaching the tooth. When you visit the dentist to treat a dislodged tooth, there are a few things you can expect.

During the first appointment, your dentist will begin by cleaning the socket and tooth, and then reinsert it into the tissue. They will then use splints and the surrounding teeth to anchor the tooth into place while it heals. If you experience a post-reimplantation infection, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue. 

After reimplantation, it is essential that you follow a soft food and liquid diet. You should also follow a strict oral hygiene routine to prevent infection and irritation of the affected tooth. Finally, avoid contact sports that could compromise the stability of your tooth and lead to repeated dislodgements and the potential loss of the tooth. 

Prosthetic Options If Your Dentist Can’t Save the Tooth

While you and your dental team will do everything possible to save a dislodged tooth, it may be far too damaged to save. Although this can be incredibly frustrating, several excellent replacement options closely resemble your natural teeth, allowing you to maintain the appearance of your smile while preserving your bite function. Some of these prosthetic options include: 

• Dental Bridge: If you have lost fewer than four teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. This prosthetic device consists of one or more false teeth and the anchoring points. Whether attached using crowns or metal wings, this is a great way to avoid shifting after losing a tooth. 
• Partial Denture: For patients who have lost more than four teeth, partial dentures are often a great replacement option. This prosthetic is easily removable, making it easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, when crafted by an expert dental team, you can trust that they will blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. 
• Dental Implants: In situations where you have adequate jawbone to support them, your dentist may recommend dental implants. The posts are implanted into your jaw and topped with dental prosthetics that blend with the surrounding teeth. Unlike other prosthetics, these provide amazing stability and never slip or move throughout the day. 

Not all dental prosthetics are created equal. Your dental team will talk to you about the benefits and drawbacks of each, perform a thorough assessment of your teeth and underlying jawbone, and determine which is best for your smile. They will also discuss your insurance coverage and payment options to ensure you can restore your smile without overwhelming your budget. 

Providing Comprehensive Care for a Dislodged Tooth

If you’ve recently lost a tooth and need the support of a reliable dental team, turn to our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. For years, our team has provided comprehensive care to patients across Hendersonville, NC, and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with a dislodged tooth, persistent pain, or staining, we’re here to help you restore your oral health.

When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our dental team, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.