You’re brushing your teeth when you see a niggling gap between your teeth. What happened there? You know full well. You’ve lost a tooth, and you need to know what to do about it before the pain sets in.
There are several scenarios in which you can lose a tooth, either causing you a lot of pain or making you very embarrassed. You might feel a little lost on what to do next when this happens.
Millions of people live without teeth, adapting to the changes and living their lives without too much hassle. Fortunately, it is not as severe as it seems. In this guide, we’ll go over what to do after losing a tooth as an adult.
Don’t Panic!
You can do a few things to replace the tooth and improve your smile. You can get a dental implant, a permanent solution, or a dental bridge, a temporary solution.
You can also get a denture, which is a removable solution. If you’re unsure what to do, you can talk to your dentist about the best option.
Handle the Tooth With Care
Try to locate the tooth and avoid handling it by the root. If you can’t find the tooth, don’t worry. Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce inflammation.
There are options for dental implants or a dental bridge. See your dentist for emergency dentistry services as soon as possible so they can evaluate the best course of treatment.
Keeping the Tooth Clean
If you lose a tooth as an adult, you can do a few things to keep the tooth clean. First, try to find the tooth and pick it up by the crown or the top part of the tooth. If you can’t find the tooth, don’t worry – it’s not necessary to replace the tooth.
However, if you do find the tooth, you can rinse it off with water and try to insert it back into the socket. If this isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk. Then, call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Stop Bleeding
When you lose a tooth, the socket may begin to bleed. Apply clean, dry cotton balls to the cut to absorb blood and halt the bleeding. With your finger, gently press the cotton balls.
This applies pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. Change the cotton balls frequently to keep the blood absorbed, and the coagulation process.
After changing the balls, rinse your mouth with clean water and spit. Avoid ingesting the blood, as this can result in vomiting.
Returning the Tooth to the Socket
Replace the tooth in its hollow after cleaning it and stopping the bleeding. This can safeguard the root and critical tissues. Your saliva will aid in the preservation of the tooth and the prevention of infection.
After placing the tooth, use medical gauze or a clean towel to keep it in place. Bite down gently on the gauze. The pressure can hold it in place until you get to the dentist.
Medication
Avoid taking medication before attending the dentist if you can withstand the pain. You may need to be sedated for the procedure. It is preferable not to take additional drugs in the bloodstream that could create issues. If the pain is intolerable, place a heating pad or an ice bag on your chin or jaw to relieve it.
If you are missing many teeth, you may want to get a full mouth reconstruction, a combination of all these treatment options. If you take medication that causes dry mouth, you may be at a higher risk of tooth loss. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you are taking.
Coping With the Loss
Depending on the location and extent of the tooth loss, you may need a dental implant, or a surgical procedure to replace a tooth. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with discomfort and use dental floss and a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your remaining teeth clean.
If you’re self-conscious about the gap in your teeth, you can wear a dental prosthesis, such as a false tooth or a dental bridge. Coping with tooth loss can be difficult, but with proper dental care and a positive attitude, you can continue to enjoy good oral health.
Preserve the Tooth
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, store it in a sterile solution. Avoid immersing the teeth in cold water. A glass of milk or a saline solution can help.
Water does not protect the tooth and can cause issues when reattaching it. Tuck the tooth between your gum and cheek if you don’t have milk or a saline solution. You can keep it in your mouth and expose it to saliva.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
It’s essential to keep up your oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and using mouthwash to keep your mouth clean. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
If you have a dental implant, you’ll need to take special care of it to keep it clean and healthy.
Talk to Your Dentist if You Lose a Tooth
If you become an adult and lose a tooth, don’t worry! There are plenty of options to help you get your smile back. Whatever you do, make sure to see a dentist so they can help you figure out the best course of action for your smile! However, if you don’t have a dentist yet, you can always search for phrases like “dentist near me greenville” on the internet. This should give you a list of experts that you can reach out to.
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