Saving Your Partially Dislodged Tooth - What to Do and What Not to Do

Posted on 11/15/2024 by Madison Family Dental

Concerned patient discussing her tooth pain with her dentist while sitting in a dental chair at Madison Family Dental Associates in Madison, WI

Everyone knows the feeling of a loose tooth. As a child, it's a rite of passage, a wiggly reminder of a new, permanent tooth waiting to take its place.

But as adults, a loose tooth can be a cause for concern.

A partially dislodged tooth, one that's partially out of its socket, can be painful and unsettling. The good news is that with quick action, there's a good chance your tooth can be saved.

What to Do if Your Tooth is Partially Dislodged

Here's what you should do if you experience a partially dislodged tooth:

•	Stay calm. It's important to remain calm so you can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
•	Control the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad.
•	Gently reposition the tooth. If possible, try to gently push the tooth back into its socket. Don't force it, however, as this could cause further damage.
•	Hold the tooth in place. Once the tooth is back in its socket, bite down on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
•	See our dentists immediately. Time is critical when it comes to saving a dislodged tooth. The sooner you see our dentists, the better the chances of successful treatment.

What Not to Do with a Partially Dislodged Tooth

There are also some things you should avoid doing if you have a partially dislodged tooth:

•	Don't touch the root of the tooth. The root of the tooth is very delicate and can be easily damaged.
•	Don't try to pull the tooth out. This could cause further damage to the tooth and the surrounding tissue.
•	Don't put the tooth in water. This can actually harm the tooth cells.
•	Don't ignore the problem. Even if the pain subsides, it's important to see our dentists to ensure the tooth is properly treated.

Treatment Options for a Partially Dislodged Tooth

The treatment for a partially dislodged tooth will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the overall health of the tooth. Our dentists may recommend:

•	Splinting: This involves attaching the loose tooth to neighboring teeth for support.
•	Root canal therapy: This may be necessary if the pulp of the tooth has been damaged.
•	Restoration dentistry: Crowns, fillings, or other restorative procedures may be needed to repair the tooth.

Importance of Oral Care After a Partially Dislodged Tooth

Following a tooth injury, it's especially important to maintain good oral hygiene. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. Make sure to:

•	Brush your teeth gently twice a day.
•	Floss daily.
•	Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
•	Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods.
•	Follow our dentist's instructions carefully.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of saving your partially dislodged tooth and preventing further complications. Remember, prompt action and proper care are key to a successful outcome.

Madison:

5709 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719

608-274-5970

Hours

Mon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 2 pm

DeForest

502 Nelson Court,
DeForest, WI 53532

608-846-3302

Hours

Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: Closed

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Madison Family Dental Associates, 5709 Odana Rd., Madison, WI 53719 : 608-274-5970 : madisonfamilydental.com : 12/12/2024 : Associated Words: dentist Madison WI :