An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been knocked out of place. This can happen when a tooth is knocked out of its socket, or even out of your mouth, typically as the result of a fall or an accident that leads to blunt impact or trauma to the mouth. If you experience an avulsed tooth as the result of an injury, there is a chance your tooth can be saved!
Endodontists are dentists whose primary job is saving teeth. Dr. James A Penney is an experienced endodontist who has been providing expert care in Little Rock since 1995! Working alongside his trusted team, Dr. Penney can help alleviate your tooth pain and hopefully save any impacted teeth. You can expect to receive the highest standard of care in a friendly and comfortable environment.
With avulsed teeth, timely response is critical. You can call Dr. Penney’s office any time because they have 24/7 answering service. So don’t wait–call 501-227-ROOT (7668) to ask questions or schedule an appointment!
What should you do if you have an avulsed tooth?
An avulsed or knocked out tooth is considered a dental emergency, meaning you should seek treatment immediately. Treatment is most successful if the tooth is replanted within the first 30 minutes of avulsion. Here are our tips to increase the likelihood of saving an avulsed tooth:
- If the tooth was knocked out of your mouth, retrieve it carefully by picking it up from the crown (the white part that you chew with).
- Rinse the tooth with water to remove any dirt. Do not use soap, scrub, or dry the tooth after rinsing.
- Carefully place the tooth back in the socket, placing the roots down first. Be gentle and do your best to not touch the roots.
- Bite down on something soft like gauze or a napkin to apply light pressure and keep the tooth in place.
- Contact a dental provider to seek immediate care.
A skilled dental provider like Dr. Penney will examine the replanted tooth to make sure it is in the correct position. If you were unable to replant your tooth, the provider will do so. Once in position, the tooth will be splinted. Splining immobilizes the tooth and keeps it from moving out of place. This allows the damaged roots to reconnect over a period of two to four weeks.
To help protect the tooth after it is replanted, it is best to:
- Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods
- Refrain from eating foods that are too hot or too cold
- Be gentle and brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush
- Avoid contact sports
- Use mouthwash and anti-inflammatory pain relievers as indicated by your provider
Your provider will indicate when it is necessary for you to come back for a follow-up visit. Follow-up care will include:
- Removing the splint
- Examining the tooth
- Checking tooth mobility
- Evaluating tooth pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue)
If the tooth pulp has become infected, your provider will recommend a root canal. Dr. Penney and his team use advanced equipment to provide this procedure quickly and comfortably.
To learn more about the team and the procedures available at Dr. Penney’s office, click here. Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Call 501-227-7668 today!
