Nowadays, more and more people lead an active lifestyle that involves participating in various sports activities. Unfortunately, sometimes a dental accident can occur, resulting in the loss of one or more teeth. The natural question that immediately comes to mind is whether and how we can save the tooth or teeth that we have just lost, so that we can smile again.
What to do when you lose a tooth in an accident
If you lose a tooth in a dental accident, it is important to follow a series of steps that can increase your dentist's chances of saving the tooth. The emergency checklist below, provided by specialists at Nobel BioCare, will show you how to act after a dental accident.
Emergency checklist
- Stay calm.
- Find the lost tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly (maximum 10 seconds) under cold water and reposition it. Once the tooth is back in place, bite down on a handkerchief to hold it in position.
- If the previous step is not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or another suitable storage medium and bring it to an emergency clinic.
- The tooth can also be transported in the mouth, holding it with the lip or cheek.
- Avoid storing in water.
- I am looking for an emergency dental service immediately.
How can a dental implant help you?
- „I lost a tooth in an accident. How can I replace it?”
The most aesthetically and functionally efficient solution in the case of tooth loss is a high-quality dental implant. Dental implants are widely considered the most successful method for replacing teeth, as they offer a series of real benefits to patients.
The experts at Nobel Biocare explain to us, very briefly, what these benefits are.
A natural smile
A dental implant looks and feels just like your natural tooth. The colour, shape and contour of the new tooth are made to match. The result is a natural smile, which will bring back your confidence and quality of life. With new, gleaming teeth on the outside, you will soon feel a smile returning on the inside.
2. Neighbouring teeth remain intact
Old restoration methods often require adjacent teeth to be prepared to anchor the work and ensure its stability in the mouth. Dental implants do not damage or affect adjacent teeth.
3. Stability and comfort
Because dental implants are fixed to the jawbone, they are usually more stable, comfortable, and longer-lasting than other restorations. Additionally, dental implants are made from biocompatible materials, meaning the body tolerates them, thus providing maximum comfort.
4. A long-term and clinically proven solution
Dental implants are very durable. With proper care and good oral hygiene, implants will last for many years or even a lifetime. The first modern dental implant was performed in 1965, and since then, decades of research have been dedicated to improving their functionality, stability, and aesthetics.
5. Cost-effectiveness
Dental implant treatment can be considered a long-term investment in your health and well-being – in short, an investment in your life. Compared to other restorations, the costs may seem higher at first glance. However, higher maintenance costs, potential bone loss in the jaw, and ultimately, the loss of more teeth, can lead to the need for more extensive and costly dental restorations in the long run.
6. Do you miss what you like?
Have you had to give up some of your favourite foods since losing a tooth? Dental implants restore the full function of your natural teeth. So, no matter how frequent, crunchy or sticky your foods are, dental implants can put them back on your menu.
Speak to our dentists about choosing a quality dental implant, such as Nobel Biocare, to find out how it can replace a missing or severely damaged tooth following a dental accident, restoring its full function, natural appearance, and feel, so you can smile again.
Bibliography
https://www.nobelbiocare.com/content/patient/international/en/home/missing-teeth/how-dental-implants-can-help.html