How to Save a Permanent Tooth
Certain trauma from falling or being hit in the mouth from flying objects
while playing sports, can cause a permanent tooth to be knocked out or
avulsed. If this happens, sometimes the tooth can be saved by quick,
careful action. If the tooth is replaced in the first 30 minutes, it has
a good chance of survival.
First, if your child has any broken bones or other injuries, you should
seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room. If the
nature of the injury is only dental in nature, the most important thing
to remember is to remain calm so you can find the tooth.
Once you find it, do not hold the root and do not rinse off the tooth.
Hold the tooth by the crown (the big white part you normally see in the
mouth) and try to re-insert it into the socket. Try as best you can to
position it like the neighboring tooth and hold the tooth in position
with your finger or by your child biting on gauze.
If it doesnt go into the socket, do not try to force it. Just place the
tooth in a glass of milk or in a container with your childs saliva
covering the tooth and call our office. An adult parent (NOT the child)
can keep the tooth under the tongue until taken to the dentist. You may
use a Save a Tooth kit from your local pharmacy that has solutions and
instructions to prolong the life of an avulsed tooth. This kit should
be bought ahead of time in case this type of emergency occurs with
your child.
New Location Opening in Fall
Our new office at Cedar Crest will be open on October 5, 2010.