Lost a Tooth? What to Do Next
Losing a tooth can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to save your tooth. If your tooth was lost due to trauma and is completely intact, the best thing you can do is store it in cold milk and visit Dr Dilip Dental Centre as soon. Milk helps keep the delicate cells around the tooth alive, And our dentists may be able may be able to implant the tooth back in the socket.
Here are the steps you should take if you have lost a tooth:
- Find the tooth and rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- See a dentist as soon as possible.
The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of saving your tooth. If the tooth is reimplanted within 30 minutes, the chances of success are very good. If it is reimplanted later, the chances of success are still good, but they decrease with each hour that passes.
If the tooth cannot be reimplanted, the dentist may be able to save it by root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing the pulp of the tooth, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. The tooth is then filled and sealed.
With proper care, a saved tooth can last a lifetime. So if you have lost a tooth, don’t panic. See a dentist as soon as possible and there is a good chance that your tooth can be saved.
What if I Lost a Tooth Due to Cavities?
If you have lost a tooth due to cavities, it means that the cavity has caused the tooth to fracture. However, there are still options available to you. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your dentist may be able to recreate the tooth with a filling, a crown, or a root canal and crown. If the fracture is too deep, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture.
Can I Still Save My Tooth If It Has Been Shaking for a Long Time and Just Came Out Today While Eating Something Soft?
If your tooth has been shaking for a long time and just came out today while eating something soft, it is likely that you have chronic gum (periodontal) disease. This disease causes the gums to recede and the bone that supports the teeth to break down. As a result, the teeth become loose and may eventually fall out.
In this case, the tooth cannot be saved. It will need to be replaced with a dental implant, crown, or bridge. The Dr. Dilip Dental Centre team will ensure that you are educated on proper oral hygiene techniques including tooth brushing and flossing to ensure that you don’t lose any more teeth and your replacement teeth serve you for a long time to come. We will also check that your blood sugar levels are within normal limits in case you are a diabetic, as high blood sugar levels are strongly linked to gum disease.
Do I Need to Replace a Back Tooth If It Doesn't Bother Me?
Losing a back tooth can be a common occurrence, especially as we age. However, even if the missing tooth doesn’t bother you right now, it’s important to consider getting it replaced. There are several reasons why replacing a back tooth is important, even if it doesn’t cause any immediate pain or discomfort.
Here are some of the reasons why you should replace a back tooth:
- Reduced chewing efficiency: When a back tooth is missing, the teeth on either side of the gap may shift or tilt to fill in the space. This can lead to decreased chewing efficiency and make it difficult to eat certain foods.
- Changes in bite: The teeth on the opposite side of the missing tooth may also shift or tilt, which can lead to changes in your bite. This can cause problems with chewing and speaking, and it can also lead to jaw pain.
- Increased risk of tooth decay: The teeth around a missing tooth may become more crowded, which can make it difficult to clean them properly. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Bone loss: When a tooth is missing, the bone that supports it begins to deteriorate. This can lead to a loss of facial structure and an aged appearance.
- Esthetic concerns: A missing back tooth can be noticeable, especially if it’s a front tooth. This can lead to self-consciousness and social anxiety.
What are My Options to Replace Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth can be a disruptive event, both physically and emotionally. However, there are a number of options available to replace missing teeth. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are some of the most common options for replacing missing teeth:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are the most natural-looking and long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth. They are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that integrates with the jawbone. A crown is then placed on top of the implant to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
- Bridges: Bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They are made of two crowns that are connected by a false tooth. The crowns are cemented to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, and the false tooth fills in the gap.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth. They are made of acrylic or metal, and they are held in place by suction. Dentures can be either complete dentures, which replace all of the teeth in the mouth, or partial dentures, which replace a few missing teeth.
How Soon Should I Replace a Missing Tooth?
The sooner you replace a missing tooth, the better. This is because if a tooth is just recently lost, not many regressive changes would have taken place yet and the ease and cost At Dr Dilip Dental Centre, we will assess your specific case and provide you with a suitable treatment plan addressing all of your questions.
Call 044 – 4556 7465 to book an appointment.