Sudden Tooth Loss and Emergency Dentistry
Most people lead pretty active lifestyles. Unfortunately, some daily activities, such as driving, working, exercising, and playing sports, have the potential to cause an accident or injury, such as tooth loss.
When sudden tooth loss occurs, emergency dentistry at our dental practice serving East Honolulu, HI and Hawaii Kai, HI can be essential to saving the natural tooth and preventing the total loss of the tooth’s roots. Restorative dentistry treatments to rebuild a damaged smile are also available to restore the strength, health, and function of the smile when saving the natural tooth is not an option.
Dr. Rohinton J. Patel is happy to provide emergency dental care to those who have suffered from sudden tooth loss. He will recommend a treatment plan that is most appropriate to the patient’s unique situation.
What to Do if a Tooth Is Lost
If an accident or injury occurs and a tooth is suddenly knocked from its socket, there is still a chance that the tooth can be saved. However, time is of the essence. The patient will need to act quickly to locate the tooth, and then take the following steps to help preserve the tooth:
- If the tooth looks dirty, rinse it in water, holding it carefully by the crown of the tooth. Avoid touching the roots of the tooth and do not scrub the tooth. Do not rinse for more than 10 seconds.
- Rinse the mouth with warm water and gently place the tooth back in its socket. The tooth can be held in place by holding it down with some gauze or a soft cloth, or by carefully biting down on a piece of cloth or gauze placed over the tooth.
- If the tooth will not stay in its socket, or if you feel uncomfortable replacing the tooth, it can be placed in a small amount of milk to keep it hydrated while it is transported to the dentist.
- Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. During regular business hours, it is not necessary to schedule an appointment for emergency care, but it is a good idea to call ahead and alert Dr. Patel that you are on your way.
Emergency Dentistry
Because the promptness of treatment is so important when it comes to saving a lost tooth, Dr. Patel will provide patients with emergency dental care as soon as possible after an oral injury has occurred. He will take all steps possible to preserve the natural tooth and its root structure so that patients can continue to enjoy a strong, healthy, and fully functional smile.
If the tooth is damaged or broken, or cannot be saved for some reason, Dr. Patel offers a comprehensive range of treatments. He will recommend a dental restoration that is best suited to each patient’s unique dental needs, whether that be a dental crown, a dental bridge, or dental implants.
Contact Us
Dr. Rohinton J. Patel is proud to offer a comprehensive range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments. If you would like to learn more about the services available at our practice, including emergency dental care, contact us at your earliest convenience.