Losing a tooth can be a scary and unexpected experience. Whether it happens during a sports game, a fall, or while biting into something hard, you might find yourself wondering, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth?” Don’t worry! This guide from our dentist in Lombard, IL, will walk you through the steps to take if you lose a tooth and how to handle the situation like a pro.
Are you dealing with a dental emergency? Take action now – contact Dental Care or Lombard at (630) 629-5700 to get urgent care from our 5-star dentist in Lombard, IL.
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
When asking yourself, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth?” the best answer is to act quickly but carefully. The first thing to remember is to stay calm. It might be shocking, but panicking won’t help. Take a deep breath and focus on what to do next.
Find the Lost Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, try to locate it right away. With swift action, Dr. Glud may be able to reimplant the tooth. So, picking up the tooth is the first step in figuring out what to do next.
If you’re asking yourself, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth?” and you can’t find the tooth, you should still visit our Lombard dentist as soon as possible.
Handle the Tooth Gently
When you find the tooth, be careful not to touch the root (the part that was under your gum). Hold it by the crown, which is the top part that you see in your mouth. Touching the root can damage tiny fibers that help the tooth reattach. So, if you’re still wondering, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth?” remember: Be gentle with it!
Rinse It, But Don’t Scrub
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with milk or clean water. Avoid scrubbing it or using soap, as this can harm the delicate root. If you’re thinking, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and it’s dirty?” just stick to a gentle rinse to keep it safe.
Try to Put the Tooth Back
If you feel brave, you can try to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it’s facing the right way, and don’t force it in. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to skip this step and move on to the next one.
Keep the Tooth Moist
If you can’t put the tooth back in its place, keep it moist until you get to our Lombard dentist. The best options are:
- Putting it in a glass of milk (which is an ideal medium for preserving periodontal ligament cells)
- Putting it in a cup of saline solution or saliva
- Holding it in your mouth next to your cheek (just be careful not to swallow it!)
Asking, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and can’t reinsert it?” has an easy answer: keep it wet!
See an Emergency Dentist in Lombard, IL, Right Away
Time is critical when it comes to saving a lost tooth. Ideally, you should see Dr. Glud within 30 minutes. Even if it’s been longer, don’t give up!
In some cases, Dr. Glud can sometimes save teeth hours after they’ve been knocked out. If you’re wondering, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and it’s been a while?” it’s still worth trying to save it.
What If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved?
Sometimes, a lost tooth can’t be reattached. If that happens, don’t worry! Dr. Glud has options to restore your smile.
Dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can replace your missing tooth. If you’re stuck thinking, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and it’s gone forever?” don’t fret – our Lombard, IL, dentist can help you find the best solution.
Protecting Your Mouth After Losing a Tooth
After losing a tooth, you might notice some tenderness or bleeding. Gently bite down on a piece of clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot. Stick to soft foods for a day or two, and be careful with the empty space in your mouth.
If you’re asking yourself, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and my gums hurt?” a little extra care will go a long way.
Prevent Losing a Tooth Again
After dealing with a lost tooth, you’ll probably want to avoid it happening again. Here are some tips:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing hard things, like ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels
- Keep up with regular dental visits to catch potential problems early
- Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash occasionally
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Eat a balanced diet to keep teeth and gums strong
If you’re asking, “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth and want to prevent it next time?” these steps can help keep your smile safe.
How to Talk to Kids About a Lost Tooth
If a child loses a tooth, they might feel scared. Explain to them that losing a baby tooth is normal, but if it’s an adult tooth, they’ll need to see a dentist. Parents often ask, “What do I do if my child suddenly loses a tooth?” The answer is similar: stay calm, handle the tooth carefully, and visit Dr. Glud.
Accidents Happen – Our Lombard Dentist Can Fix It!
Now you know the answer to the big question: “What do I do if I suddenly lose a tooth?” Acting quickly, staying calm, and visiting Dental Care of Lombard are the keys to handling this dental emergency. Remember: Losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing your smile!
Are you dealing with a knocked-out tooth? Let Dr. Julie Glud repair the damage and soothe the pain. Contact our emergency dentist in Lombard, IL, here, or call our team at (630) 629-5700 for urgent care now.
