As children, we expect to lose teeth, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the tooth fairy. Once our adult teeth appear, we expect to keep them for life. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, that is increasingly possible. Good hygiene and regular dental care can stave off gum disease and cavities. However, even the healthiest teeth are not immune to fastballs, auto accidents, or tumbles down the stairs. Aside from wearing a mouth guard during sports, you can do very little to prevent a tooth being knocked out.
Once that tooth is lost, you might think it is gone forever, but that’s not always the case. In some situations, the tooth can be successfully reattached. To be honest, that only happens in about ten percent of cases, but the success rate depends largely on how you handle the situation. Here are step-by-step instructions for saving your tooth:
- Call Pleasant Dental®
ASAP! This is the first step in any dental emergency. Dr. Dietrich will make every effort to see you immediately if he is in the office. If you have a tooth knocked out when our office is closed, you might want to visit the ER, because fast action is imperative.
- Rinse your mouth gently with saline solution (lukewarm salt water). Be careful not to damage the socket.
- Locate the tooth. Be careful to pick it up by the crown (the visible part). Rinse it gently in water only if necessary, but do not remove or damage any tissue that is still attached.
- Place the tooth back in its socket, very carefully and make sure it is not backwards. Don’t force it – if it won’t go back in place easily, you have a couple of options. Perhaps the best solution is to hold it inside your mouth, against your cheek. Alternately, you can place it in a sterile container with milk or Save-A-Tooth formula. Either of these will keep it hydrated and help keep cells alive. It only takes 15 minutes for a lost tooth to begin dying.
- Get to our office or the ER right away. For the best chances of re-attachment, you should see a professional within one hour. Remember – in a dental emergency, call Pleasant Dental®
at (708) 576-1900.
Dr. Winnie Wilson
Dr. Winnie Wilson is a dedicated dentist with a rich background in general dentistry, particularly passionate about treating children. After completing her dentistry education in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the
University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gupta is committed to building meaningful relationships with families through exceptional care at Pleasant Dental. Her approach emphasizes trust and quality service. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Chicago's diverse culinary scene, embodying a well-rounded and trustworthy professional dedicated to her patients' well-being.
Dr. Sneha Naik
Dr. Sneha Naik is a compassionate dentist with over 12 years of experience, having graduated from
NYU College of Dentistry. in 2012 and completed her residency in Brooklyn, NY. She is well-regarded for her warm demeanor and clear communication, helping patients understand their dental care options. For the past decade, Dr. Naik has been a trusted member of the Chicago community, building lasting relationships with families. Originally from North Carolina, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating art, and cooking. Her dedication to patient care and approachable nature highlight her expertise and trustworthiness in dentistry.
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