What to Do When You Have a Missing Tooth
Posted on: 24 January 2024
Accidents happen, and dental emergencies can occur at any time — whether from eating something too hard, falling, or playing sports. One of the most common dental emergencies is a missing tooth, and it can be incredibly painful and upsetting. The good news is that many dentists offer emergency services, so you can get the help you need when you need it.
In this blog post, we’ll cover what to do when you have a missing tooth and need to see an emergency dentist.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First and foremost, you need to stay calm. Panicking will only exacerbate the situation, so it is crucial to maintain a clear mindset. Assess the situation and see if there’s any bleeding or pain. If the tooth has completely come out, try to find it, as it may be possible to re-implant it. If the tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked, try to collect all the pieces.
Rinse Your Mouth and Use Cold Compresses
In the case of bleeding, rinse your mouth delicately with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling and discomfort. If you cannot control the bleeding, go to the emergency department immediately. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
Contact an Emergency Dentist
Once you have assessed the situation, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Many dental practices offer emergency services, even outside of regular business hours. The dentist will be able to assess the damage and provide immediate treatment. If it is not possible to see the dentist straight away, ask for advice on how to manage the situation until you are able to get treatment.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the extent of the damage to your tooth. If the tooth can be re-implanted, the dentist will do so immediately. If the tooth cannot be re-implanted, then the dentist will discuss other options with you. These may include a dental implant, bridge or denture. The dentist will be able to provide a temporary solution until a permanent one is put in place.
Aftercare
Following emergency treatment, it is crucial to adhere to the dentist's post-care instructions. These instructions may involve taking prescribed medication for pain and swelling, avoiding specific foods, and attending follow-up appointments. Be sure to take extra care when brushing and flossing the affected area, and avoid putting too much pressure on the tooth.
Reach out to a local emergency dentist for more info.
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