Yes, it depends on the condition of the tooth. If the lost tooth is intact, then it can be replaced in the mouth without much difficulty by the dental specialist. If the tooth is broken into multiple pieces, then in most of the cases, it may not be replaced in the mouth. This decision also depends on the time elapsed since the tooth was outside the mouth.
What precautions should I take if my tooth fell out due to injury?
- Do not let the tooth dry.
- Do not rinse in tap water.
- Do not store in normal water.
- Don’t use a brush to clean the tooth.
- Do not try to push back the teeth forcefully in the socket.
- Do not delay visit the dentist.
- Do not clean the tooth with a towel or tissue paper.
- Do not store in another person’s saliva.
- Don’t let the younger kids keep the tooth in the mouth, they may swallow it.
When should I visit the dentist after my tooth falls?
Accidental or traumatic expulsion of a tooth from the mouth is a dental emergency. Visit the dentist as soon as possible, best, within an hour. The more time you take to visit the dentist, the lesser are the chances of the tooth to be accepted back in the mouth.
How should I carry the avulsed tooth to the dentist?
The best way would be to carry the tooth in one’s saliva, within or outside the mouth. If this is not possible then you can use milk, saline water, lens water, and coconut water to carry the tooth in the closed box. Do not carry the tooth dry in a tissue paper or towel. Keeping the tooth moist is necessary for it to be successfully implanted in the mouth again.
What should I expect at the dental office?
The dentist will screen your mouth and the injured site. If there is much damage to the injured area, like bleeding or damaged tissues. Then the dentist will first stop bleeding from the mouth and clean the injured site. Many a time, the fallen tooth is treated with root canal treatment as it has lost its nerves and blood vessels. Then the tooth is kept back at its place carefully. It is splinted or tied up with the adjacent stronger teeth so that it is stabilized for healing to take place.
Will my tooth be functional after being restored in my mouth?
Healing of the tooth and reconnecting with the tissue and bones will take some time. During this period, it is advised not to exert any forces on the tooth while eating. Once the splinting is removed, and the tooth examined for a positive integration, then it can be used to bite and chew.
What precautions should I take after the restoration of the tooth?
Keep visiting the dentist every three months until one to two years, as suggested by your dental specialist, to make sure the tooth is well integrated with its natural environment. Do not bite on hard stuff with that tooth. Maintain good oral hygiene and brush twice a day.