What to Do with a Knocked Out Tooth

Contrary to what the movies might tell you, there are other ways to knock out a tooth than getting into a fistfight. As one of the most common dental emergencies knocked out or avulsed teeth can occur due to simple falls, face injuries, contact sports, and more. While this ailment is common, only about 9 percent of adults in the U.S. know what to do if it happens. If you find yourself with an avulsed tooth, not all hope is lost but you must act fast. Ideally, you should see your dentist within 30 minutes after losing the tooth or teeth, however, reimplantation has occurred after over an hour. With these steps, you can be prepared and have greater chances of salvaging your lost tooth!

Locate and pick up the tooth by the crown. 

Under NO circumstances should you pick the tooth up by the roots. Hold the tooth at the crown (chewing surface). Be very gentle when handling the tooth and do your best not to damage the roots for greater chances of reimplantation. 

If the tooth is dirty, rinse gently with water.

Rinse the tooth very briefly, no more than 10 seconds, only using lukewarm water. Do not use chemicals or soaps. Even too much tap water can kill the root cells that are needed for successful reimplantation. Do not dry the tooth; wipe it off or place it in a paper towel.

Attempt to place the tooth back in the socket.

The most important next step is to place the tooth back in the socket until you can get to your dentist. If the lost tooth is wholly intact from root to crown, attempt to place it back in the socket right away. Holding it by the crown, push the tooth into the socket gently. Hold the tooth in place with your fingers or very gently bite down.

Keep the tooth moist at all times.

It is imperative that you do not let the tooth dry out, keeping it moist at all times. If the tooth will not go back into the socket, you have a couple of options. According to the Mayo Clinic, placing the tooth in your cheek is the best and most natural alternative to placing it back in the socket. You can also place the tooth in milk or an over-the-counter emergency tooth preservation kit if you have quick access to it. 

See your dentist within 30 minutes of the injury.

After your tooth has been knocked completely out of the socket, the nerve is severed, and the blood supply is lost. This means you do not have much time before that nerve dies completely, hence the urgency. Call Netter Family Dental immediately to inquire about our emergency services. Though it’s unlikely, if the dentist cannot see you in time, go to the emergency room.

Depending on the damage, it can take a tooth anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks to successfully reattach into the socket. After the tooth has healed, there should be no need for further services besides your regular check-ups. If the tooth is unable to be reimplanted, your dentist will most likely discuss tooth replacement options, such as a dental bridge or dental implant, with you after the socket has healed. 

To prevent having to actually do any of this in the future, make sure you’re always taking precautions to protect your mouth. If you play a contact sport, be sure you are wearing a mouthguard not only in games but in practice as well. When life happens, however, you can now be prepared and potentially save yourself from a much more invasive and costly procedure. At Netter Family Dental, we want you fully equipped with the knowledge you need to take care of your oral health. 

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Learn About Dental Veneers in New Albany, IN

Whether you’re looking to have only a few teeth or all of your front teeth covered by dental veneers, you might be wondering, which material is the best, composite or porcelain? Dental veneers can be used alongside other cosmetic dental procedures to dramatically change the look of your smile. It’s an important question, so let’s dive in.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: Lifespan

The lifespan of any dental veneer depends upon several factors. The most important of those is hygiene and overall oral health. Under ideal conditions, if a patient follows brushing, flossing, and twice annual dental checkup recommendations, both porcelain and composite veneers can last for many years. A common estimate for the lifespan of composite veneers is between 4 to 10 years. Porcelain veneers are estimated to last 10 to 15 years, if not longer.

Porcelain is generally fragile, but after being bonded to a tooth, it becomes extremely durable. Composite materials are strong as well, but once attached, they’re more prone to chipping than porcelain. However, composite veneers can be repaired, similar to fillings for normal tooth enamel, while porcelain veneers must be replaced entirely if they are damaged.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: Cost & Time

Composite veneers have the advantage of a faster application process compared to porcelain. Composite veneers can be fabricated in the office and can be applied during the same visit when your teeth are prepped for them. Any dental veneers require some tooth material to be ground away to make room for them. With composite veneers, your dentist can complete that work, fabricate your veneers, and apply them all in the same visit.

Porcelain veneers generally require at least two appointments. Your dentist will remove the necessary material from your teeth, take an impression mold, and wait for a special lab to fabricate your veneers. Temporary veneers are available between appointments, so it’s not like you will walk around with obviously incomplete dental work, but if time is a factor, this is worth considering. At your second appointment, your porcelain veneers will then be applied.

Porcelain veneers are also generally more expensive than composite. Because porcelain veneers cannot be fabricated in-office and are a higher quality material, they cost more to create and apply. However, the initial cost of porcelain veneers compared to the repair and replacement of composite over time often becomes equal.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: Look

Porcelain veneers, compared to composite veneers, look more natural. The way thin porcelain catches light mimics a white tooth very closely. Composite veneers still look natural, but when considering cosmetics, porcelain does have the edge. Porcelain is also more stain resistant, related to its general durability edge, compared to composite.

Because composite veneers can stain, they naturally wear and change color like your other teeth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, may start to stick out more over time compared to the teeth surrounding them. This might be because you will need to consider whitening your teeth to match the shade of your porcelain veneers as time goes on.

Which Dental Veneers Are Best?

There are pros and cons to both composite and porcelain veneers. The best material for your veneers is ultimately something you will need to decide for yourself based on your lifestyle and preferences. There’s a question of lifespan, upfront versus lifetime costs, look, and time to consider when deciding between the two. If you’re unsure, our dentists and staff are happy to help guide you through the decision-making process. There’s more information that can be provided to you and guidance that can be tailored to your specific needs and unique oral health situation.

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The Importance of Mouthguards: Custom Solutions for Teeth Grinding, Snoring, and Sports Protection

Mouthguards are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While they may appear similar, different mouthguards serve distinct purposes. Explore the various options on our mouthguards service page.

Prevent Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can lead to soreness, tenderness, and tightness in your jaw, neck, and face muscles, often resulting in tension headaches. Consider the following:

• Custom Fit for Comfort: Opt for custom mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding. They provide the best fit, lasting longer than stock or boil-and-bite alternatives, ensuring comfort while you sleep.

Reduce Snoring or Sleep Apnea Relief

Address snoring and sleep apnea with specialized mouthguards or oral appliances:

• Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): Shifts the lower jaw forward, opening the airway during sleep.
• Tongue Retaining Device: Grips the tongue, preventing it from falling into the throat.

Consult a dentist or doctor for personalized advice, as over-the-counter options may not be suitable for everyone.

Sports Mouthguards

Protect yourself during sports activities with the right mouthguard:

• Choose the Right Fit: Better-fitting mouthguards offer enhanced protection.
• Sports-Specific Recommendations: Wear mouthguards for high-risk sports like football, boxing, hockey, or wrestling.
• Affordable Protection: Stock mouthguards are cost-effective, while boil and bite options offer a better fit. For maximum protection, invest in custom mouthguards.

We understand you have choices for mouthguards. If you’re unsure about their effectiveness or seek a custom-fit consultation, contact us today!

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

In the realm of modern dentistry, dental implant surgery has emerged as a revolutionary solution for replacing missing teeth. Understanding the pros and cons of dental implants is crucial if you’re considering this transformative dental procedure.

Cons of Dental Implants

While dental implants offer remarkable benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential drawbacks:

• Meeting Requirements: Before undergoing dental implant surgery, meeting specific criteria is necessary. Significant bone loss due to tooth loss may impact the success of the implant. Good overall health is also vital for optimal jawbone recovery.
• Cost Considerations: Although dental implants provide a long-term solution for tooth loss, they may not always be the most cost-effective option. However, the comfort, confidence, and natural feel they offer make them worth the investment.
• Lengthy Procedure: Dental implants are not a quick fix; the process can take several months. From removing an existing damaged tooth to fitting the implant anchor and waiting for healing, the overall procedure requires patience.

Pros of Dental Implants

The advantages of dental implants far outweigh the disadvantages, making them a preferred choice for many:

• Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants closely resemble real teeth, both in appearance and sensation. Once fitted, it’s challenging to distinguish between the replacement tooth and natural teeth. The anchored implants feel as strong as regular teeth.
• Ease of Eating and Chewing: Unlike dentures, dental implants seamlessly integrate with regular teeth when eating and chewing. After the completion of the procedure, you can enjoy a diverse range of foods without concerns.
• Longevity: Dental implants offer a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. While crown replacement may be necessary every 10-15 years, proper care can make the implants last a lifetime.
• Easy Maintenance: Taking care of dental implants is simple – follow the same routine as you would for natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and a healthy diet contribute to their longevity.
• Prevention of Bone Loss: Dental implants, anchored into the jaw, prevent bone loss. The implant’s screw thread mimics the root of a natural tooth, maintaining the strength of the jaw bone.

In conclusion, the numerous benefits make dental implants an excellent choice for those experiencing tooth loss. If you have questions or require further information, feel free to reach out. We are dedicated to helping our patients look and feel their best, and dental implants are a significant step in achieving that goal. Give us a call for any inquiries!