If you’re a contact-sport athlete, you need to use a quality mouthguard at the necessary times. Failing to do so could cause significant oral harm and dental trauma. One of the worst injuries that could befall an unprotected mouth is to have a tooth knocked out. When this happens, you will need to apply some basic first aid while seeking professional treatment at Barron Dentistry.
If the incident has left blood or debris in your mouth, you can gently rinse them away with lukewarm saltwater. This can soothe the injured gum tissues and give you a better view of the damage. If the socket is bleeding excessively, you can lightly bite down on some sterile gauze to stop the bleeding.
There is a small chance that Dr. Barron can implant the tooth back into the socket. For there to be any chance of this succeeding, the tooth must be whole and still alive.
You can keep the tooth alive by holding it in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Some stores also sell tooth-preservation gels in the oral healthcare aisle. This canister is filled with a specially formulated nourishing gel that will keep the tooth alive for a short time.
Severe dental trauma like this often leaves the tooth broken or shattered at the gumline, leaving critical elements of the root remaining in the socket. There is a chance that Dr. Barron can treat the tooth in this case with a root canal.
However, if the damage is severe or the socket has been damaged, Dr. Barron might recommend a total extraction. After your gums have healed, he can help you decide if you want to restore the tooth with a dental bridge or a dental implant.
If you live in the Fort Worth, Texas, area and you’ve had a tooth knocked out, you should call 817.732.1626 as soon as possible to seek emergency treatment at Barron Dentistry.
