Accidents happen, and whether you are an athlete, a parent with a child playing sports, or anyone enjoying an active lifestyle, knowing how to handle a knocked-out tooth can make a big difference. To ensure the best possible outcome, contact our holistic dental implant specialist, Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, in the Washington, DC, area for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options.

Common Causes of a Knocked-Out Tooth

Whether you are an athlete or a parent of a child who plays sports, understanding the common causes of a knocked out tooth can help you take preventive measures. It is important to schedule a consultation with an advanced trained dental implant specialist to discuss treatment options.

Sports Injuries

Certain sports, such as hockey, baseball, or football, where collisions are common carry a higher risk of dental injuries. Even non-contact sports, like cycling or skateboarding, can lead to falls that result in dental trauma. Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, a ceramic dental implant specialist in the Washington DC area, advises athletes and parents to consider protective gear like mouthguards to minimize risks.

Accidents or Falls

Accidental falls or impacts from car accidents or biking mishaps can result in severe dental trauma. Wearing a helmet when biking and being mindful of wet or uneven surfaces can reduce these risks.

Biting into Hard Foods or Objects

Biting down on hard foods like nuts, candies, or ice or using your teeth to open bottles or tear packages can lead to fractures or dislodgement. Avoid these practices to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

Untreated Tooth Decay or Gum Disease

Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to severe tooth decay or gum disease. These conditions weaken the tooth structure and surrounding gum tissue, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss. If you have a missing tooth, it is important to schedule an evalutation for dental implants to preserve your smile and facial structure.

Tooth Abscesses

An untreated tooth abscess can cause significant damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to tooth loss. Timely intervention by a dental professional is necessary to prevent complications. Understanding the cause of a knocked-out tooth will help you protect your teeth proactively. It is essential for athletes, parents, and dental patients to take preventive measures that will help prevent a tooth from being knocked out.

Steps To Take If You Knock Out Your Tooth

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Tooth:

Panicking won’t help your or your child, so take a deep breath and assess your surroundings. Are you safe? Is there anyone around who can assist you?

2. Handle the Tooth Correctly:

If you find your tooth, pick it up by the crown (the top part) to avoid damaging the root.

3. Rinse Gently:

Rinse the tooth with water to clean off any dirt. Avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue, as these tissues can be vital for reattachment.

4. Attempt Reimplantation:

If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket carefully. Make sure it’s facing the right way. Reimplanting the tooth quickly will increase the chances of saving it. If the tooth can not be saved, it is not the end of the world. You can restore your or your children’s smile with dental implants that look and feel just like your natural teeth.

5. Keep the Tooth Moist:

If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist. Place it in a container of milk or your saliva. Do not use tap water, which can damage the tooth’s root cells.

6. Seek Immediate Dental Attention:

Contact a dental implant specialist, such as Dr. Sammy Noumbissi right away. Time is of the essence here; ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes to increase the likelihood of saving your tooth.

Schedule A Consultation For Holistic Dental Implants

At Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry, Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, treats patients with knocked out teeth throughout Silver Spring and the Washington DC area. Contact our advanced-trained team at (301) 588-0768 if you or your child knocks out your tooth while playing sports to schedule a consultation for holistic dental implants.