HOW TO TAKE CARE OF KNOCKED OUT TOOTH ?

More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in children and adults. With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be successfully replanted and last for years. It's important to see a dentist or endodontist for knocked out teeth as soon as possible. Quick action will increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. At The Dental Roots, a renowned dental clinic in South Delhi, takes care of any accidental avulsions of teeth.

HERE IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) not the root.

Locate the tooth immediately; do not leave it at the site of the accident.  The tooth should be handled carefully -- touch only the crown -- to minimise injury to the root.

2. If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water.

• Do not use soap or chemicals.
• Do not scrub the tooth.
• Do not dry the tooth.
• Do not wrap it in a tissue or cloth.

3. Reposition the tooth in the socket immediately, if possible.

The sooner the tooth is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. To reinsert, carefully push the tooth into the socket with fingers, or position above the socket and close mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with fingers or by gently biting down on it.

4. Keep the tooth moist at all times.

The tooth must not be left outside the mouth to dry. If it cannot be replaced in the socket, put it in one of the following:

• Emergency tooth preservation kit
• Milk
• Mouth (next to cheek)
• Regular tap water is not recommended for long-term storage because the root surface cells do not tolerate water for long periods of time.

5. See an endodontist or the nearest available dentist within 30 minutes.

Bring the tooth to an endodontist as soon as possible -- ideally, within 30 minutes. However, it is possible to save the tooth even if it has been outside the mouth for an hour or more.

Tips to prevent such injuries

• Always keep your mouth closed while indulging in any sports activity: this helps you prevent dehydration and also keeps your teeth protected.
• Always use a sports guard: A sports guard is a product that is customised for your mouth. Our dentists make accurate measurements to fabricate a mouth guard for both upper and lower jaws. A sports guard is the best way to keep our teeth protected while playing your favourite sport.
• In case of any chipping or little fracture on the tooth, the tooth can be built to its beautiful self by bonding and composite fillings.

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