  Teeth are often avulsed during contact sport or by other
unexpected means. However, such a tooth need not be lost. If the tooth is replaced into
its socket within 30 minutes it will usually reattach itself. After that period the
success rate drops.If the tooth has dropped onto the ground, it should be
washed gently in slowly running water by holding it by its crown under a tap. |
  Then it must be placed into the socket as it was
originally. A tooth that is replaced immediately has best chance of survival because the
tissues that normally attach the tooth to the bone and are still present are less likely
to dry out and die.The patient must then bite on the tooth and consult a dentist
immediately for completion of the treatment.
|
If the tooth cannot be replaced immediately, it must be kept moist by:
| i) Putting it in the patient's mouth between the cheek and the teeth |
 |
| or ii) placing it in a glass of milk, (this is the best method) |
 |
| or iii) wrapping it in a clean wet handkerchief (not recommended). |
 |
The patient must be seen by a dentist as soon as possible so that the
appropriate treatment can be performed.
Bear in mind that the best end result is obtained when the tooth is replaced in its
socket immediately. |
Such accidents can be
prevented by wearing a mouthguard.
| This page has been prepared in the interest of better dental health by The Oral Health
Directorate of the Department of Health. |
|
- EMERGENCIES