At My Local Dentists Northmead we call a knocked-out tooth an “avulsed” tooth. An avulsed tooth can be one of the most serious dental emergencies for permanent teeth, as they can be lost forever if not treated quickly.
Avulsion is also a dental threat for temporary teeth, as it can affect the permanent teeth growing below.
And your children are, unfortunately, prone to the kind of accidents that cause avulsion. The good news is that in most cases the damage can be fixed.
However, an avulsed tooth requires swift action and your immediate and effective response can increase the likelihood an avulsed tooth can be re-implanted. When a tooth is knocked out of the jaw it’s blood and nerve supply is cut off, but it can still be reattached if it receives proper care and a very fast trip to your Northmead dentist.
What You Can Do
When a tooth is avulsed, the blood vessels, nerves, and supporting tissues are damaged. Nerves and blood vessels can’t be repaired, so even successfully reimplanted teeth will require a root canal. However, the root of the tooth can reattach to the bone if it is successfully reimplanted in the jaw.
The good news for parents is the chances of saving a tooth are highest in children (adult teeth can be saved as well). Only permanent teeth should be reimplanted.
The number one thing to do if a child’s tooth is knocked out is to get to the dentist as quickly as is possible! It is also critical to avoid additional damage to the tooth.
Here are some tips on how to save an avulsed tooth:
- Handle the tooth carefully and by the crown. Do not touch the root (the part of the tooth that was under the gum) of the tooth as it is easily damaged.
- If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the crown and rinse with milk. If milk is unavailable, rinse with water. Do NOT wipe the tooth with a washcloth, shirt, or any other fabric. Wiping a tooth off can damage the tooth and decrease the chance of successful reimplantation.
- Keep the tooth wet. Carry it in a glass of milk. If milk is not available, hold the tooth in your mouth, tucked between the cheek and gum. A very young child may not be able to hold the tooth in his or her mouth without swallowing it. In this case, have the child spit into a container and carry the tooth in the container with the saliva. If there are no other options, carry the tooth in a container filled with water. But be certain to keep it moist.
- Try to slip the tooth back into the socket. In some cases, the tooth will slide back in. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way and don’t try to force it into the socket. If the tooth doesn’t go back into place easily, keep it moist (in milk, saliva or water) and get to your My Local Dentists Northmead dentist as soon as you can.
- Be sure that you have your My Local Dentists Northmead contact information on you at all times, preferably already in your phone. The sooner you reach us and get to our offices, the better the chances the tooth can be saved.
What can My Local Dentists Northmead do for your child?
When you reach the dental office we may use water to flush debris from the socket. Then we will attempt to put the tooth back into place. If the tooth can be re-inserted, the avulsed tooth will be splinted to nearby teeth.
If the surrounding bone is not fractured, the root usually reattaches to the bone in a month. More severe damage to the area may require up to two months of healing. The tooth will need a root canal treatment, but the other treatment for a lost tooth is complete replacement with a bridge or implant, so saving the tooth is by far the best and most economical option.
We will examine the tooth again in three to six months to make certain the tooth remains healthy, with no evidence of infection or other issues. If everything is in order, your next visit will be at your scheduled dental checkup. My Local Dentists Northmead will continue to monitor the tooth for the next 2-3 years to ensure that the tooth continues to do well.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Bulk Bill for children who are eligible for MEDICARE CHILD DENTAL BENEFIT SCHEDULE
Up to $1000 worth of dental treatments over two years
Dental Care at My Local Dentists Northmead
My Local Dentists Northmead is your trusted dentist in Northmead in Greater Western Sydney. Your oral health and the appearance of your smile are important to us. Our highly trained staff can treat any dental issue, including complicated issues related to other health conditions.
Our commitment to our patients is dental health and an attractive smile for the holidays and a lifetime!
We like to make life a little bit easier for our patients by offering longer hours on weekdays and weekend appointments.
Same day emergency appointment available!
Call (02) 9630 9996 or visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.