My sister was out dancing and some idiot showing off did a high kick that knocked a tooth of hers clean out. She didn’t worry about it and said she’d just get a fake one. I told her to see a dentist but she insisted they couldn’t do anything about it anyway. That got me to wondering. Is there a way to save an adult tooth?
Margie
Dear Margie,
I’m sorry to hear what happened to your sister. Saving an adult tooth is possible under certain conditions. There are two types of adult tooth loss. One is from trauma, such as your sister experienced. The other is from extensive gum disease.
When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. There is no way to save those teeth and you would end up needing them permanently replaced. This is why it is so important to have regular checks for gum disease and be proactive with treatments.
With trauma, if you get to the dentist within 30 minutes, there is a possibility the tooth can be saved. This is considered a dental emergency with time of the essence. Here are some tips to help improve the chances of saving the tooth.
- Call the dentist and let them know that you are on your way so they can be ready and get you back right away.
- Only hold the tooth by the crown, which is the visible part above your gums.
- Keep the tooth root moist. If possible, gently place it in a glass of milk. In a pinch, you can put it between your teeth and gums.
If the Tooth Can’t be Saved
If a tooth cannot be saved there are great tooth replacements. The best would be a dental implant. This is the closest to having a healthy, natural tooth.
There are other options as well, such as a dental bridge or a removable partial denture.
Despite the choices, saving your natural teeth is always the best solution if at all possible.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.