No one plans to have a dental emergency, such as having a tooth knocked out. Being available as an emergency dentist in Washington DC, Dr. Hancock and her team at Presidential Dental Group are always on hand to help you to save that tooth.
Knowing what to do can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. What steps should you take if a tooth is knocked out?
1. React calmly- Call your dentist to tell her you are on your way. Hold the tooth by the crown and gently rinse off the root with lukewarm water. DO NOT scrub any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert the tooth back in place and hold it there by biting down on a clean tissue or gauze. This will also help stop any bleeding from the lost tooth.
2. Do not delay- The success of re-implantation of the tooth is much higher the sooner you are at the dentist. The best success rate is if the dentist can put your tooth back in place within the first 30 minutes of it being knocked out. DO NOT throw the tooth away.
3. Know plan “B”- If you are unable to put the tooth back in its place, or if there is concern that the tooth might be swallowed, put it in a cup of cold milk and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
Even if a longer time has elapsed, it is still best to go to the dentist and let her decide what to do.
So regardless of whether it is a regular dental visit, or one of a more urgent nature, please contact Dr. Hancock at Presidential Dental Group, serving as both cosmetic and emergency dentist in Washington DC. We will make sure that we accommodate you into our schedule and help you save your teeth.
