It’s easy to lose teeth. In fact, some of the ways people lose teeth are downright comical. From being headbutted by a dog (these are real stories, by the way) to falling off a Segway, it’s a lot easier than you’d think to lose teeth due to trauma to your face.
So what are you supposed to do when you suddenly lose teeth? Our team here at Letitia M. Williams, DDS, LLC has some advice for you.
Handle the tooth with care
If you lose a tooth suddenly, you need to carefully handle it or else you’re going to lose the tooth for good. Don’t ever touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off with milk by holding the crown (the top of the tooth). If don’t have milk, water works as well. Once rinsed, keep the tooth in milk or water as you rush to the dentist.
Slip it back into the socket
If possible, it’s best to slip the tooth back into the socket it popped out of. You’ll still need to see Dr. Letitia M. Williams for treatment, since every lost adult tooth requires a root canal for it to properly reattach, but putting the tooth back in its socket is the best way to care for it until a dentist can take care of it.
If you do end up with a tooth popping out during any sort of activity – even if your dog headbutts you – you need to see a dentist immediately. If you have any other questions about the process of dealing with missing teeth, call us today at 334.377.3778 to get your questions answered.