When a tooth is knocked out by a hard blow to the mouth, the pain can be significant and the trauma to the surrounding gums and other soft oral tissues can be severe. If a severe oral trauma like this has happened to you or someone nearby, applying some oral first-aid can help manage the problem while you seek professional care from a dentist like Dr. Thinh Ho.
If necessary, rinsing with lukewarm saltwater can help clear away lingering blood and other unwanted debris from the mouth. If the surrounding periodontal tissues have been traumatized lightly bite down on some sterile gauze can help control the bleeding.
If the tooth was knocked out cleanly out of the socket we might be able to install it back into the socket. However, the tooth must be completely intact and kept alive.
A knocked out tooth can be preserved by holding it between the cheek and gums. There are also tooth-preservation products sold in stores. It’s essentially a canister filled with a specially formulated nourishing gel. This will keep it alive until Dr. Thinh Ho has a chance to treat the situation. If the tooth broke off at the gumline and the integrity of the root is intact, we might be able to restore it with a root canal.
If you live in the Lacey, Washington, area and you need help with a knocked out tooth or some other form of oral trauma you need to call 360-943-4777 to seek emergency treatment at Olympia Dental Group’s dental offices.
