A lost tooth is not just bad for your smile; it can be terrible for your oral health. Losing permanent teeth can be caused by a multitude of factors, including:
Poor dental care
Tooth trauma
Tooth decay
Smoking
And age
Call an emergency dentist like Jaguar Valley Dental in California if you lose any permanent teeth. In the meantime, here are a few steps to help prevent further complications before you head to your dentist.
If you can locate your lost tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the roots. Touching the root can damage the roots and the soft tissue inside the tooth. Handle and preserve your tooth with care to increase the chances that your dentist can reattach it.
One thing that will be obvious when you lose your tooth is that your mouth will bleed. To stop the bleeding, apply clean cotton balls on the socket but not inside and apply gentle pressure to help absorb the blood and stop any bleeding. Change out the cotton balls often to keep absorbing blood and promote clotting, making sure to rinse your mouth between each change.
Once you have gotten your bleeding under control, rinse your tooth under a faucet to clean off any dirt and sanitize the tooth. You can even use milk to help kill germs and prevent infection. Once your tooth is cleaned and sanitized, reinsert it back in its socket to protect the root and vital tissues. Place medical gauze or a clean washcloth on top of the tooth and gently bite down to hold it in place while you head to your dentist.
Call a 24-hour emergency dentist like Jaguar Valley Dental immediately and quickly head to their office. The sooner you can get to your dentist, the better because there is usually a one-hour window to reattach the tooth. If you can’t find an emergency dentist in time, head to the nearest ER.
Losing a permanent tooth can be very stressful and overwhelming. Jaguar Valley Dental is here to get you the help you need from our experienced dentists. If you lose a permanent tooth and live in the northern San Diego or Valley Center area, contact Jaguar Valley Dental immediately to provide urgent dental care for your lost tooth.