A hard blow to the face or another form of oral trauma can sometimes carry so much force that it can avulse or knock a tooth out of its socket. Should this befall you, providing quality first aid while seeking professional treatment can help you manage pain and potentially improve your treatment options. To aid in this endeavor, Dr. Joseph Szymczak offers the following care instructions.
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. If there is blood or debris in your mouth, you can rinse them away with lukewarm saltwater. This will help soothe injured gums and help you get a clear view of the situation.
It might be possible for Dr. Joseph Szymczak to implant the tooth back into the socket. For this to have any hope of success, the tooth must be whole and alive.
You can keep the tooth alive by holding it between your cheek and gums or you can use a tooth-preservation product. This is a canister filled with a specially formulated nourishing gel. You simply place the knocked-out tooth in the jar and seal it. The nourishing gel will keep it alive long enough for Dr. Joseph Szymczak to assess the situation and recommend a course of treatment.
Should any elements of the tooth remain in the socket, Dr. Joseph Szymczak will most likely have to extract them. After your gums have healed, Dr. Joseph Szymczak can help you decide if you want to have a dental bridge or a dental implant installed to restore the tooth.
If you’ve suffered a knocked-out tooth in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you should not delay in calling 616-453-0002 to schedule treatment at MI Roots Family Dental.