What to do if your tooth is knocked out
When a tooth is knocked out (avulsed), your dentist will evaluate it carefully to determine the best course of action. Here's an overview of the steps involved in the evaluation:
Initial Examination: The dentist will first assess the overall condition of the patient, checking for other injuries, especially if the tooth loss was due to an accident.
Examine the Avulsed Tooth: The dentist will inspect the knocked-out tooth, looking at:
The condition of the tooth, whether it's intact or broken.
The status of the root, to see if it's damaged or contaminated.
Assess the Tooth Socket: The dentist will check the socket from which the tooth was dislodged, looking for:
Signs of damage or fracture to the surrounding bone.
Remaining fragments of the tooth or other debris.
Bleeding and the condition of surrounding gum tissue.
X-rays: Radiographs may be taken to assess the socket's condition, look for root fragments, and rule out other damage, such as jaw fractures.
Check for Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: The dentist will look for signs of nerve or blood vessel damage in and around the area of the avulsed tooth.
Evaluate Patient’s Dental and Medical History: Understanding the patient's overall dental and medical history helps in planning the appropriate treatment, especially considering factors like bone density, gum health, and any pre-existing conditions that might affect healing.
Assess the Possibility of Re-implantation: The dentist will determine if it's feasible to re-implant the tooth. Factors influencing this decision include the condition of the tooth, the time elapsed since the avulsion, and the patient's overall dental health.
Plan for Immediate Care and Long-term Treatment: If re-implantation is possible, immediate steps are taken to do so. If not, the dentist will discuss other long-term treatment options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Discuss Oral Hygiene and Follow-up Care: The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the affected area and the re-implanted tooth, if applicable, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and the success of the treatment.
Prompt treatment following a tooth avulsion is crucial for the best outcome. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is re-implanted (ideally within an hour), the higher the chances of it being saved.