Emergency Action: How to Handle a Missing Tooth

Did you know that advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults? But that’s not the only possible cause for missing teeth. Significant decay and physical trauma can also cause one or more teeth to be dislodged.

Whatever the cause, it’s natural to feel scared, confused, or sore until you get help. Thankfully, many dentists offer same-day emergency appointments so you don’t have to wait long for relief. Continue reading to learn more about 3 steps to take to handle a lost tooth!

Step #1: Find the Tooth

If the tooth is still whole and in relatively good condition, your provider may be able to put it back in the socket so it can eventually reintegrate with your jawbone. However, that means you’ll need to bring the tooth, which only remains viable for a short time outside of your mouth, to your appointment.

Once you have located it, rinse it under gently running water to remove any blood, dirt, or other bacteria it may have picked up. Remember to handle it by the crown, or tooth-shaped portion, to avoid harming the cells on the roots. Then, store it safely in a container with some of your saliva or a small amount of milk to help preserve it until you reach your dentist’s office.

Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth

Depending on what happened, you might also have cut your gums or sustained other injuries in the mouth, which can bleed. Gently rinse your mouth periodically to clear away any debris, which can help prevent infection and other issues. You can also slow bleeding by placing a clean cloth or folded gauze over any wounds and applying firm but gentle pressure for about 10 minutes.

If your face is sore or swollen, you can apply an ice pack to the tender side of your face for temporary numbing relief that helps ease aches and inflammation.

Step #3: Contact Your Dentist

Finally, if you haven’t already, contact your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment. Many providers reserve time for same-day visits to handle emergencies like damaged or lost teeth as soon as possible, and might also provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive.

When you get there, they’ll examine your mouth and may take X-rays or other scans to identify the root problem. Many dentists also offer sedation to help you feel calmer and more comfortable, and then can devise a customized treatment plan to help repair or replace your tooth to give you back a beautiful, healthy smile.

About the Practice

Patients at Dental Expressions benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team who are passionate about helping children and adults build and maintain strong, resilient teeth and gums. Drs. Robert (Bob) and Heather Heil share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to deliver a complete menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and dental sedation, to meet you and your family’s unique needs under one roof. If you lost a tooth and need help, you can contact the office on the website or call (920) 788-6280.