Pop Quiz: Do You Know How to Handle a Lost Tooth?
Do you think you know what it takes to handle a dental emergency like losing a tooth? Let’s put your knowledge to the test! By answering these questions correctly, you just may be able to salvage your tooth if this situation should ever occur to you!
1. True or False: When you recover the tooth, it is important to pick it up by the crown.
Answer: True. It is important to handle your tooth carefully and not pick it up by the fleshy root. Otherwise, you risk causing additional damage to the tooth. Instead, pick it up by the crown (the white part of the tooth).
2. True or False: If there’s dirt on the tooth, quickly scrub it under water to clean it off.
Answer: False. Do not scrub the tooth. Instead, gently rinse it off with water, milk, saline solution, or even saliva. You might also consider placing it in a bowl of any of these liquids to clean it off as carefully as possible. The goal is to sterilize the tooth while preserving any vital tissue.
3. True or False: A good way to protect your tooth while you head to the dentist is to reinsert it into the socket.
Answer: True. While this may seem unappealing, putting the tooth back into the socket can be a great way to protect the root while you make your way to the dentist. Be certain that you’ve sterilized the tooth first, and try holding it in place by lightly biting down on a clean washcloth or a piece of gauze.
4. True or False: You can transport the tooth in a bag of water if needed.
Answer: False. Do not transport your tooth in water, as this will not help to preserve it. Instead, pour milk or a saline solution into a bag to carry the tooth to the dentist. If you don’t have a saline solution, you can make some by using a ¼ teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water. Water alone should only be used as a last resort.
5. True or False: It is important to head to the dentist or emergency room right away after losing a tooth.
Answer: True. The faster you get to the dentist, the better your chances of having your tooth restored to its proper place. If you cannot make it to the dentist, you should go to the emergency room.
Congratulations! You now know the proper procedure to follow in order to save your tooth in the event of a dental emergency. If you ever have the unfortunate experience of losing a tooth, be certain to call Valley Dental Care right away. We’ll help restore your tooth and get you back to feeling your best. And, should you lose the tooth entirely, don’t fret. At Valley Dental Care, we offer a number of cosmetic and restorative treatments to help you repair your smile.
Need emergency dental care? Contact Valley Dental Care in Aurora or Oswego today!
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Dr. Sam provides personalized dental care with a focus on prevention, patient education, and modern, comfortable treatment.
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