Emergency Dental Care for Knocked-out Teeth: Can They Be Saved?

Have you thought about what would happen if one or more of your teeth got knocked out? This may seem like a rare and extreme situation, but it occurs more often than people think. Whether it's from a sports injury, an accident, or biting down on something hard, losing a tooth is possible.

The good news is that, in some cases, knocked-out teeth can be saved with prompt and proper care. Contact Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV to book an exam with an emergency dentist. We can replace a missing tooth or help save your natural smile through same-day dental care.

How does a tooth get knocked out?

First, let's understand how a tooth can get knocked out. One of the main reasons is due to physical impact or trauma to the mouth. For example, people who play sports, especially contact sports like football and hockey, are at a higher risk. Accidents such as falls or car crashes can also result in tooth loss.

Additionally, unexpectedly biting down on something hard can lead to a knocked-out tooth. And if your tooth is already weakened due to previous dental work or decay, it may be even more susceptible to becoming loose or falling out.

What should you do if your tooth gets knocked out?

If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. Follow these easy steps for the best possible chance of saving your tooth:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (also known as the chewing surface). Avoid touching the root, if possible.
2. Gently rinse off any debris with water. Do not scrub the tooth or use soap.
3. If possible, try to reposition the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth.
4. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or your own saliva.
5. Seek emergency dental care in Las Vegas as soon as possible.

How can an emergency dentist save a knocked-out tooth?

At Elegant Smiles, our professionals will first assess the severity of the injury and determine if the tooth can be saved. If possible, we will reinsert the tooth back into the socket to allow for proper healing.

If reinsertion is not possible, we can replace a missing tooth through a dental implant or bridge. The good news is that, through our advanced care, no one should be able to tell if you had dental work done. However, the best option is always to save your natural tooth if possible.

Preventing knocked-out teeth at home

While accidents and unexpected situations cannot always be avoided, there are ways to minimize your risk of losing a tooth due to trauma:

• Wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or engaging in activities with a high risk of impact
• Never bite down forcefully on hard objects or foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or nuts
• Maintain good oral health and visit Elegant Smiles regularly to address issues that could increase your chances of losing a tooth

Seek same-day dental care at Elegant Smiles

When it comes to knocked-out teeth, time is of the essence. If you or a loved one experiences this type of dental emergency, don't hesitate to contact Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV. Our trained team can provide same-day dental care or replace a missing tooth if needed. Prompt action can make a big difference in saving your smile.