What to do with a dental injury?

There is a tooth injury when a tooth is broken, loose, or completely out. You are probably wondering, what should I do in such a situation? Can my tooth still be saved? This depends on several factors. It is important that immediate action is taken. This increases the chance that a possible return is still possible. Even when a tooth has broken off, there are still treatment options. The first thing that is important with a dental injury is to determine whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth.

Dental injury in milk teeth

A loose milk tooth may never be put back! This can damage the tooth that has yet to come out or erupt. Unfortunately, the dentist cannot do much for the child in this case. Has the baby's tooth broken off? Then it can be sharpened by the dentist so that a sharp edge does not damage the child's tongue.

What should I do if my tooth has broken off?

If you have a broken tooth, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Ensure the tooth does not dry out, and do not disinfect it! Keep the tooth part in a glass of milk or saliva. In some cases, the dentist can still replace the broken crown tooth. Can't you do this? Then the dentist usually restores this by means of a (composite) filling.

What should I do with a loose tooth?

Don't touch or push your tooth back if it is loose. Visit your dentist in Arlington, VA, immediately. Is it not open? Then make an appointment with the emergency dentist. He will examine, position, and secure the tooth.

What should I do if my tooth is out?

·         Find the tooth as soon as you can;

·         Take the tooth by the crown. Take care not to touch the tooth's root. This can cause damage to the tissue required for tooth regeneration.

·         Rinse the tooth with milk or cold water for 10 seconds. This removes the dirt and increases the chance of a good recovery;

·         Return the tooth to its original position. If the tooth doesn't fit quite right, that's okay. It is important that he is supplied with blood. Can't replace the tooth? Then follow the same steps as with a loose tooth and keep the tooth in a glass of milk or saliva. Making sure the tooth doesn't dry out is crucial. The tooth can frequently no longer be effectively reinserted if it has been dry for more than 30 minutes.

·         Does the return work? Keep your teeth together. This is best done by gently biting down on a piece of gauze or tissue paper;

·         Then go straight to the dentist! Here the replaced tooth is checked and secured.

How can I prevent dental injuries?

Dental injuries are common during sports, for example, in sports such as hockey or rugby. You can prevent this by wearing a mouthguard. This offers no guarantee but limits possible damage in the event of an accident. You can buy ready-made mouthguards in sports shops. However, these do not protect sufficiently because they do not fit quite right. A better alternative is a custom sports protector.