WEST COUNTY There are rare instances when an accident or sports injury can carry enough force to knock a tooth out of the socket. Also known as dental avulsion, this severe oral trauma can also cause the tooth to fracture at the gumline. A situation of this magnitude always requires some basic first-aid while seeking emergency care from one of the dentists at St. Louis County Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
The first step is to assess the severity of the damage to your tooth and underlying periodontal tissues If you have blood or unwanted debris in your mouth, you can gently rinse it away with some lukewarm saltwater. This will give you a better view of the trauma to your mouth.
It might be possible for your dentist to implant the tooth back in the socket. For this to be possible the tooth needs to be whole and kept alive. You can do this by holding the knocked out tooth between your cheek and gums. You could also try using one of the tooth-preservation products sold in stores. The special nourishing gel inside the canister will keep it alive for a short time, while your dentist determines the best course of treatment.
If the root of the tooth remains in the socket, our dentists might be able to restore the internal structure of the tooth with endodontic therapy. This will restore enough structure to eventually anchor a dental crown. If the oral trauma is severe, your dentist might need to extract whatever remains of the tooth from the socket. Once your gums have fully healed, they can help you choose your preferred method for restoring the tooth.
If you live in the Chesterfield, Missouri, area and you need treatment for a knocked-out tooth, you should call 314-434-0493 to schedule an emergency appointment at St. Louis County Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.