For children, losing a tooth is exciting, but as an adult, you may experience dental anxiety. Instead of panicking, act fast by scheduling an urgent appointment with your dentist. Swift action may allow for the replantation of your tooth. It's crucial to follow the right steps to preserve the tooth that fell out.
But, even if the dentist can’t save your original tooth, you still have options. Affordable Dentures & Implants help patients restore their smiles with dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, and other dental services.
Causes of Losing a Tooth
There are many causes of adult tooth loss. But the most common reasons are gingivitis, periodontitis, or an injury.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease. During this phase, plaque buildup causes inflammation in the gums. If untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, causing inflammation in the surrounding bones and tissues. At this point, it’s possible for teeth to become loose and fall out.
For more information about the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis, check out our comprehensive guide on gingivitis vs periodontitis.
Injury
Accidents and injuries to the face can cause a tooth to fall out. Facial trauma can cause teeth to fall out, dislodge, or break. These injuries can happen while playing sports without a mouthguard, in a car accident, or even during routine daily activities.
What To Do When You Lose a Tooth
If a permanent tooth falls out, follow these first aid instructions to maximize the chances of successfully replanting the tooth at the dentist.
1. Find the Tooth
First, locate the tooth. Only touch it by the crown to avoid damaging the root. Check the tooth for breaks or cracks. If the tooth is damaged, it may not be possible to replant it. If replanting isn't an option, you might want to explore solutions like multiple or single tooth implants to restore your smile.
2. Stop the Bleeding
If the tooth socket is bleeding, you can use sterile cotton balls to absorb the blood. Avoid swallowing blood by rinsing your mouth out with water first. Then, hold the cotton ball down over the socket while applying gentle pressure until the bleeding stops.
3. Clean the Tooth
There are many things that can go wrong when cleaning a tooth that has just fallen out. Avoid rubbing or scraping the surface of the tooth with your fingers or a cloth. Also, do not wash or store the tooth in tap water, as this could damage the root. Avoid using soap. Instead rinse the tooth gently in cow’s milk, saliva, or sterile saline solution.
4. Reinsert the Tooth
Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Putting the tooth back into the empty socket will help preserve the root. Use medical gauze or a piece of clean cloth to hold the tooth in place. Do not store the tooth in water, tissue, or paper. These materials can damage the root. Schedule a free consultation and X-ray to explore your dental care options today.
5. Go to the Dentist
Time is of the essence when you lose a tooth. Seek emergency dental assistance within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. If you get to the dentist fast enough, the chance of the tooth surviving and being successfully replanted increases significantly. The Emergency Room cannot help you with dental emergencies, so it’s important to go to a dentist as soon as possible. While we are best known and valued for our tooth replacement solutions, Affordable Dentures & Implants also offers comprehensive general dentistry services provided by our expert clinical teams.
Can My Dentist Put My Tooth Back In?
It’s possible! Your dentist may be able to put your tooth back in if you preserve the tooth correctly and get to the dentist quickly. However, sometimes the tooth won’t reattach, or extensive nerve damage makes it impossible to replant the tooth.
In this case, there are still many options to replace the missing tooth. Your dentist will help you figure out which option fits your budget and is best for your situation. Delaying treatment for a missing tooth can lead to further adverse dental conditions, so it’s critical to visit your dental services provider immediately.
Dental Implants
The most common way to replace a single missing tooth is with a dental implant procedure. Your dentist can insert an artificial replacement tooth by first placing a titanium screw in your jaw. Later, a connecting element called an abutment is screwed in to hold the replacement tooth in place. This procedure provides a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is another way to fill the gap between one or more missing teeth. Your dentist may suggest a dental bridge if an implant isn’t suitable for you. Typically, a dental bridge anchors a crown in place. Implant-supported bridges offer a long-term solution and increases stability by attaching to the jawbone.
Partial Dentures
If you’re not a candidate for dental implants, partial dentures are another option. Partial dentures have a false tooth, or teeth, fixed to a base that you can remove to clean. This option requires more maintenance than implants. Dental implants don’t have to be removed for cleaning like dentures or bridges.
How To Avoid Tooth Loss
Although your dentist can help you replace a missing tooth, preventing tooth loss is always preferable. Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial, as it not only helps prevent tooth loss but also maintains your overall health. Learn more about how oral health affects overall health and the importance of maintaining good dental habits.
If you play sports, remember to always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from dental trauma. Taking adequate safety precautions can help you avoid tooth loss and other dental injuries.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent tooth decay and promote healthy gums. Eat a balanced and varied diet that includes fresh produce, vitamins, and minerals. Also, consume plenty of calcium-rich dairy products that can strengthen your teeth and enamel. Avoid sugary soft drinks or candy and opt for water or milk instead. Try to limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages. Tobacco and alcohol can also damage your teeth. In fact, approximately 62% of smokers over the age of 30 have periodontitis. Explore our comprehensive dental health care tips guide for more information on maintaining oral health.
Dental Hygiene
Practicing good dental hygiene improves your oral wellness and helps prevent diseases that cause tooth loss. Ideally, you’ll want to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Dentists advise waiting for at least one hour after eating to brush your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel. Incorporating consistent use of fluoride into your dental routine can also enhance your oral health. Learn more about uses of fluoride and its benefits. Finally, remember to schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist, at least twice annually.
See Your Dentist
After losing a tooth, contact your dentist right away. An untreated lost tooth can lead to more complicated issues down the line, like infection, changes in your bite, dissolving bone tissue, further tooth loss, and more. Find your Affordable Dentures & Implants practice near you today!