Replanting a Tooth After Dental Trauma
An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out. This is often the result of dental trauma. When you lose a tooth, it is important that you seek dental care right away. Taking the right steps can allow for the replantation of the lost tooth, allowing you to keep your natural tooth. If you have suffered avulsion as a result of dental trauma, Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center can help.
What Causes Dental Trauma?
There are many different issues that can cause dental trauma, leading to tooth avulsion. Causes of trauma include
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A car accident.
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A sports injury. This might be from a fall on the field, running into another player, or getting hit with a ball or other piece of sporting equipment.
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A fall that results in a hit to your face. You may fall from a ladder, fall down stairs, or slip on ice. |
Find the Tooth
The first step following tooth avulsion is to find the tooth. When you do find it, make sure that you pick it up by the crown. Do not touch the root end, which can result in further damage and the inability for the tooth to be replanted. If the tooth is dirty, rinse the tooth with milk or water. Do not scrub it or wipe it with anything. It is also important that you do not use any cleaning agents on the tooth. After you have rinsed the tooth off, it is important to keep it moist. You can store the tooth in a jar of milk or salt water solution. You can also store the tooth in your mouth, between your gums and your cheek. Call the office and schedule an appointment right away.
Replanting Your Tooth
Once you have arrived in the office, we can replant the tooth. If you have handled it properly and kept it moist, the chances of replanting the tooth successfully are very high. First, you will be examined to make sure that your jawbone is not broken. The tooth will also be checked for signs of damage. Next, the socket is rinsed out to remove any debris. We will then put the tooth back into the socket and splint it into place. A splint is made with soft wire or a composite material that holds the avulsed tooth into place using the adjacent teeth for several days.
What Happens after Tooth Replantation?
If the jawbone was not fractured, the root typically reattaches to the bone in about 3 to 4 weeks. In the event the bone was damaged, this will take a bit longer, typically around 6 to 8 weeks. After the tooth has been replanted, it will require a root canal. This may be done immediately following replantation or it may be done after. A root canal is necessary because the nerves and blood vessels cannot be repaired. Because the bone reattaches to the root though, your tooth can remain in your jaw and function normally following a successful treatment.
The Importance of Immediate, Proper Care
An avulsed tooth requires immediate treatment if it is to be replanted. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that this becomes possible. Additionally, factors like touching the root end, letting the tooth dry out, or the tooth being damage can prevent the possibility of putting the tooth back in its socket. If the tooth cannot be replanted, it can be replaced. With prompt treatment, it is possible to replant a tooth following dental trauma. If you have suffered dental trauma that has resulted in tooth avulsion, contact Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center at 925-290-7727 right away.
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