Mon Oct 30 2017 Dr. Teah Nyugen
Have you suffered an injury that caused a tooth to come partway out of its socket? This condition, known as a partially dislodged tooth or extruded tooth, requires immediate dental care. Acting quickly can often mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
What to Do Immediately
If your tooth is partially dislodged, take these steps right away:
- Control any bleeding by gently pressing a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth against the affected area.
- Avoid touching or pushing on the tooth. Do not attempt to reposition it yourself.
- Call your dentist immediately and get to the dental office as soon as possible — time is critical to save the tooth.
Be sure to keep the area clean and avoid eating or drinking anything until you’ve been evaluated.
How a Dentist Treats a Partially Dislodged Tooth
A partially dislodged tooth does not always mean it will be lost. If you seek prompt care, your dentist can often save it. During your visit, your dentist will:
- Examine the tooth and surrounding tissues carefully.
- Take X-rays to check for root or socket damage.
- Gently reposition the tooth back into its correct place.
- Stabilize it using a wire or dental splint to hold it in place while it heals.
If the root and socket are intact and there’s no fracture, recovery is very likely. After the stabilization period, your dentist will take follow-up X-rays to ensure the tooth is healing properly.
Quick Action Makes the Difference
The sooner you get to a dentist, the better your chances of saving your natural tooth. Avoid touching or cleaning the tooth yourself, and let a dental professional handle the repositioning and stabilization.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an emergency appointment, please call us at (510) 848-0114 today.
