So you’ve lost a tooth before even hitting your forties – now what?
Believe it or not, this is a common dental problem for people of all ages. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to completely reverse the damage. Follow the steps below to make sure you come out of this sticky situation with the best possible outcome.
1. Don’t Panic
Losing a tooth so young is a scary thing, no matter how it happens. What matters most now, though, is how you handle the problem going forward. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and tell yourself you’re going to be okay. You’ll need a clear head to take purposeful action.
2. Preserve the Tooth
If you can find your lost tooth after it falls out, pick it up right away. You’re not saving it for the tooth fairy – you’re saving it for your dentist. Depending on the condition of the tooth, they may be able to reattach it to the root.
Carefully reinsert the lost tooth into the socket if possible (taking care not to swallow it!). If that’s not feasible, place it in a container of milk or saline solution or tuck it between your cheek and gums. Handle it as little as possible while you’re doing this, avoiding contact with the root altogether. You want to keep the tooth clean, moist, and intact to give yourself the best chance of recovery.
3. See Your Dentist
Once you’ve figured out how to handle the tooth, call your dentist and ask for an emergency appointment. If there’s a chance your tooth can be reattached, they will likely get you into their office the same day.
Even if your tooth isn’t salvageable, you’ll need a check-up to make sure whatever happened to it isn’t affecting the rest of your teeth. You may have chipped or injured other teeth, torn up your gums, or let gum disease progress far enough to start causing a cascade of oral health issues. Your dentist will identify any lingering problems, create a treatment plan to address them, and help you make sure your mouth stays healthy in the future.
4. Choose Your Treatment Plan
If your dentist manages to reattach your tooth, you won’t need to worry about this step. If not, you’ll need to decide how you want to proceed.
Do you want to replace your tooth right away? Most people choose to replace missing front teeth as soon as possible because they leave obvious gaps in their smile, but back teeth are less noticeable. It’s still a good idea to replace them eventually to restore function and keep your other teeth from drifting into the gap, but you can get away with waiting a few months or even years if needed.
When you’re ready to get your new tooth, you have three options to choose from:
- An implant
- A bridge
- Partial dentures
Your dentist can tell you more about the pros and cons of each type of prosthetic. With their help, you’re sure to find a treatment that suits your needs and budget.
Leave Your Tooth Troubles Behind
No dental problem is insurmountable. Whether you’ve lost a tooth, developed a toothache, or are struggling with stubborn tooth stains, you can trust our team at Coscarella Family Dentistry to tackle the issue. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started.
