When you’re a kid, you’re often told that it’s especially important to take care of your smile once your adult teeth come in. That’s because they’re your permanent teeth, so hopefully, you’ll have those pearly whites for the rest of your life. But what happens if you damage or lose an adult tooth? Can it be fixed? What are your options? Keep reading to see how your emergency dentist in Sparks can save and replace your damaged adult teeth.
What Happens If You Lose a Tooth?
Whether it’s a sports injury or a fall, your teeth can get knocked out for many reasons. What you do immediately after you lose your tooth can be the difference in saving it or not.
If your tooth gets knocked out, pick it up by the crown so you don’t damage the tooth roots. Then, rinse it off and if you can, place it back into your socket—holding it in place with your tongue. If you’re not able to do this, keep it moist by putting it in water or milk.
After that, see your dentist in Sparks as soon as possible. If you can see them in the next hour or so after your tooth gets knocked out, there’s a good chance it can be successfully replanted. If you can’t make it to the dentist’s office, go to the ER to get help with the potential pain and bleeding. You can also apply a cold compress to keep swelling down.
What Happens If You Chip, Crack, or Break a Tooth?
If you chip or break your tooth, try to find the remaining pieces, rinse them off, and see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to evaluate the issue and provide the best treatment for repair. Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to keep the swelling down until you can receive treatment.
Tooth Replacement and Repair Options
Dental Implants
If you’re missing a tooth and it can’t be replanted, you have various options, but one of the best is dental implants. These are tiny titanium posts that get placed in your jaw to act as artificial tooth roots. Once placed, the dental implant fuses to your bone to create a sturdy support for your false tooth. This is the healthiest and longest lasting replacement option.
Dentures
If you’re missing multiple or a whole row of teeth, your dentist may recommend dentures. Completing parts or all of your smile, dentures are prosthetic teeth that can restore the look and function back to your grin.
Dental Crowns
If you have a damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth, your dentist can use dental crowns (caps for your teeth) to strengthen it. This not only prevents future damage, but it keeps the beautiful aesthetics of your smile intact.
Even if something happens to your permanent teeth, don’t worry. Your emergency dentist can get you out of pain and provide you with the best treatment for a beautiful and healthy smile.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Marc Thomas takes pride in offering high-quality care to all of his patients. He knows dental disaster can strike at any time, which is why he offers expert emergency dentistry to restore your smile back to its full health. He currently practices at Vista Dental Care, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (775) 626-3535 for any questions.