A Tooth Knocked Out Can Be Saved
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(858) 452-2800
La Jolla Micro Endodontics
Katherine Thomson DDS
Dental trauma is a prevalent issue, with over five million teeth being knocked out every year. Sports account for a significant portion of these injuries, with males being twice as likely as females to experience dental trauma. However, the implementation of faceguards and mouth protectors in football has shown a significant reduction in orofacial injuries, from 50% to 0.5%.
Unfortunately, dental injuries continue to occur in sports with inadequate protective equipment or low compliance rates, highlighting the need to educate sporting communities and parents about the importance of regulations and compliance with mouthguard use. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend mouthguards for all children and youth participating in organized sports activities.
Avulsed permanent teeth pose a unique challenge to caregivers. This is the only dental injury where immediate management affects long term outcomes.
A survey of physical education teachers, school nurses, swimming pool attendants and parents of teenagers showed that 80 per cent would not want to replant an avulsed tooth, principally due to lack of knowledge and training. Immediate replantation can have positive lifelong consequences for tooth survival.
An avulsed tooth can be a distressing experience, but prompt and appropriate action can significantly increase the chances of successful replantation and long-term retention. An avulsed tooth refers to a tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket in the mouth,
leaving behind a gap. If it's an adult or permanent tooth that has been avulsed, it's crucial to seek professional dental help immediately and take immediate action. Every minute that passes without treatment decreases the likelihood of successful replantation and survival of the tooth. Therefore, it is essential to act quickly and efficiently to increase the chances of saving the avulsed tooth.
Never try to put a baby tooth back in the gum if it is knocked out. This can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath the gum.
See an oral health professional immediately to make sure there is no other damage to the other teeth or the mouth.
It can be tricky to be sure if the avulsed tooth is a baby tooth or an adult tooth, but baby teeth are smaller, smoother and usually whiter than adult teeth. Children’s adult teeth are often more yellow, larger, and can have bumps called mamelons on their biting edge.
If an adult or (permanent) tooth is knocked out:
The thought of having a tooth knocked out is concerning. First there is the trauma that caused the tooth loss, then there is worry about the long term impact on the oral condition. Even losing a baby tooth in this manner can be serious. But take comfort knowing that an endodontist has the training to assess your needs and provide effective care.
There is a solid body of research evidence that identifies immediate (within 5 minutes) tooth replacement by replantation, as the most important factor for long-term survival of knocked out (avulsed) teeth.
Two other factors are also of importance:
When a tooth is completely knocked out or avulsed, the timing of its replantation plays a crucial role in determining its long-term survival. Replantation beyond 12 hours can still lead to the survival of the tooth, but this depends on various factors such as;
Ankylosis and/or resorption of the tooth are inevitable over time.
Replantation decisions and injury treatments must be based on these factors. Avulsed permanent teeth present a unique challenge because immediate management affects long-term outcomes.
Unfortunately, lack of knowledge and training has led to many individuals being hesitant to replant an avulsed tooth. Immediate replantation can have a positive lifelong impact for tooth survival.
In summary, any permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out should be replanted as soon as possible. Timely action can significantly increase the chances of long-term tooth survival. Factors such as the impact of the person's growth process and enhanced cellular activity must be considered when deciding to replant or remove a recently replanted tooth. It is crucial to seek immediate professional dental help in case of dental trauma or tooth avulsion.
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(858) 452-2800 La Jolla Micro Endodontics office, Katherine Thomson DDS is prepared for emergency care and the long term solutions that are best for missing teeth.
Seeing a specialist is best when there is a major dental problem. Dealing with a knocked-out tooth is a huge concern. Endodontists are the specialists best suited to focus on treating oral pain and trauma. These dentists have additional training beyond dental school to perform root canals, save damaged or avulsed teeth and recommend treatment.
Patients frequently ask their Katherine Thomson DDS what will happen in the case of a knocked-out tooth. Beyond the cosmetic effects, is there a reason to replace it? The reality is, losing a tooth is a serious concern. As for permanent teeth, when one falls out, it can cause the other teeth to drift and become loose. This puts them at risk of falling out too.
When a tooth is knocked out, there is also potential for bone loss. This event can change the shape of the mouth, causing the face to sag. A person’s speech can change as a result. It is also possible for a lost tooth to contribute to TMJ disorder, which causes significant jaw pain.
Children celebrate the loss of baby teeth. However, if one is knocked out rather than naturally falling out, there can be negative effects. If the baby tooth is knocked out well before the permanent tooth is ready to take its place, the child could have a gap in the mouth for an extended period that may require monitoring or treatment.
Primary teeth are managed differently from adult teeth and are generally not replanted.
The more important consideration is to retain space occupied by the lost primary molars, which act as guides for erupting permanent teeth. Therefore, more important than replantation, is to see Katherine Thomson DDS to determine how to maintain the space the primary tooth occupied. This may prevent the need for orthodontic treatment to correct the situation later.
If a patient loses a permanent tooth, it is important to try to find the tooth and preserve it. Katherine Thomson DDS will reimplant it in the socket.
Katherina Thompson DDS will examine the tooth and make sure it did not suffer damage when knocked out. After placing it in the socket, the Katherine Thomson DDS will splint it to the adjacent teeth, and determine whether the tooth will require further treatment such as a root canal.
If reimplantation of the tooth is not possible, Katherine Thomson DDS will recommend a suitable tooth replacement such as a bridge, implant, or partial dentures.
What is tooth avulsion?
Tooth avulsion refers to the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket due to an injury or trauma.
What should I do if my tooth is avulsed?
It is essential to act quickly and seek emergency dental treatment within 30 minutes of the injury. Keep the tooth moist and try to replant it back into the socket if possible.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Yes, a knocked-out tooth can be saved if prompt and proper action is taken. The quicker you seek treatment, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
Is it necessary to seek emergency dental treatment if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
No, it is not essential to seek emergency dental treatment if a baby tooth is knocked out since it will be replaced by a permanent tooth.
Can I put a knocked-out tooth back in place myself?
It is not recommended to attempt to reposition a knocked-out tooth by yourself. Seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible for the best chances of saving the tooth.
What are the chances of a replanted tooth surviving?
The chances of a replanted tooth surviving depend on several factors, including the time elapsed before treatment, the condition of the tooth, and the severity of the injury.
How long can a tooth survive outside the mouth?
A knocked-out tooth can survive for up to 30 minutes outside the mouth, but the chances of successful replantation decrease with time.
What should I do if a tooth is partially avulsed?
If a tooth is partially avulsed, you should seek professional dental treatment immediately. Avoid touching or pulling on the tooth, as this could further damage the tooth.
Can a root canal treatment be performed on a replanted tooth?
Yes, root canal treatment can be performed on a replanted tooth if necessary to save the tooth.
How can dental trauma be prevented?
Wearing proper protective equipment during sports activities and practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent dental trauma. If you experience any dental trauma, seek prompt professional dental treatment to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
Moreover, investing in custom-made mouthguards can significantly reduce the risk of oral trauma during sports activities. Speak with Katherine Thomson DDS or any team member to arrange for your custom made mouthguard at La Jolla Micro Endodontics.
In
conclusion, dental trauma and tooth avulsion can be a frightening and painful experience. However, with prompt and proper action, it is possible to save the affected tooth and restore your smile. If you or a loved one experience dental trauma or tooth avulsion, it's essential to seek emergency dental treatment immediately. Delaying treatment can decrease the chances of saving the tooth, leading to potential long-term oral health problems.
Additionally, investing in custom-made mouthguards for sports enthusiasts and children playing sports can help reduce the risk of oral trauma and protect your teeth during sporting activities.
Don't wait until it's too late - call an endodontist today to discuss your options and take the necessary steps to protect your oral health.
Katherine Thomson DDS
La Jolla Micro Endodontics Specialize in Root Canals,
Retreatments, Apicoectomy, and Cracked Teeth.
Call: (858) 452-2800