Each of your teeth is anchored in its dental socket by a series of very strong periodontal ligaments. This generally gives them the structural integrity and presence to handle the forces of biting, chewing, and grinding the foods you eat.
Unfortunately, it is possible for an accident or sports injury to carry enough force to knock a tooth out of the socket or cause it to fracture at the gumline. This can cause significant pain and potentially lead to the total loss of the tooth.
A situation of this magnitude always requires some basic first-aid while seeking emergency care from one of the dentists at Cloverleaf Dental Center.
The first step is to assess the severity of the damage to your tooth and your gums. If you have excess blood or in your mouth, you can gently rinse it away with some lukewarm saltwater. This will give you a better view of the traumatized tissues.
It might be possible for Dr. Sheila Poetti 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 or by using one of the tooth-preservation products sold in stores. The special nourishing gel in the canister is made from a Hanks Balanced Salt Solution. It can keep the knocked out tooth alive for a short time, while Dr. Sheila Poetti determines the best course of treatment.
If the root of the tooth remains in the socket, Dr. Sheila Poetti might be able to restore the internal structure of the tooth by performing a root canal. This will restore enough structure to eventually anchor a dental crown.
In a case of severe oral trauma, Dr. Sheila Poetti might need to extract whatever remains of the tooth from the socket. Once your gums have fully healed she can help you choose your preferred method for restoring the tooth.
If you live in the Meriden, Connecticut, area and you need treatment for a knocked-out tooth, you should call 203-634-8727 to schedule an emergency appointment at Cloverleaf Dental Center.