Dental emergencies can occur anytime and anywhere. These are situations that require immediate attention since if ignored they may deteriorate the condition even more. This article will explore one such common condition known as tooth avulsion, that requires care by the emergency dentist in Queens, NY.
Let’s explore more about tooth avulsion and how to manage and treat it.
What is tooth avulsion?
Tooth avulsion occurs when there is a complete dislodgement of the tooth from its socket. This situation is considered a dental emergency since there is an increased risk of ingestion. Moreover, it is a worrisome situation if the affected tooth is a permanent one, negatively impacting oral form, function, and appearance.
What causes tooth avulsion?
It requires a significant amount of force to knock out a tooth from its socket. The most common causes of avulsed teeth include:
- Falls
- Bicycle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Traffic accidents
- Assaults
- Severe form of periodontitis
What are the symptoms of an avulsed tooth?
Symptoms of an avulsed tooth may include:
- A gap in your mouth where your tooth used to be
- Mouth pain
- Bleeding
- Occasional swelling
How do you manage an avulsed tooth until you reach an emergency dentist?
An avulsed tooth requires immediate attention to save it. You must see a dentist at the earliest but before that, there are certain measures you can follow to prevent further damage:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, and avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with water or milk to clean it by removing dirt
- Do not use any soap or detergent
- Do not scrub the tooth
- Gently place the tooth back into the socket
- Bite on a gauze or napkin to anchor your tooth in place
- Visit a dentist immediately
However, remember to reinsert a permanent tooth in its socket in the following suitable medium:
- Milk
- A salt solution
- Your cheek where saliva keeps it wet
- In saline solution
Note: Never try to reinsert a baby or a primary tooth when avulsed. This can damage the underlying permanent tooth bud.
How do dentists treat an avulsed tooth?
When the tooth is reinserted, your dentist will:
- Reposition it properly
- Splint the tooth to the surrounding teeth for 7 to 10 days
- Evaluate the pulp condition and perform root canal treatment
When stored in a moist medium, your dentist will:
- Gently rinse your tooth
- Give local anesthesia
- Reinsert the tooth in the socket
- Splint the implanted tooth
- Schedule a root canal
Closure
Tooth avulsion occurs when you lose your tooth due to periodontitis, injuries, falls, or accidents. Knowing how to manage an emergency like tooth avulsion will help prevent further damage and harm to your oral health. Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.