San Francisco patients ask, My tooth has been knocked out. What kind of dental care do I need?

It’s not likely that your dentist is on speed dial. Most patients only think about dental care when it’s time for their twice-a-year checkup or if they have a toothache. However, in the case of a dental emergency, it’s important to know who to call, when to call, and what to do.

Losing an adult tooth is a common dental emergency. This can be caused by an accident or fall, and it never comes with advanced warning. Dr. Leo Arellano of San Francisco offers some advice about how to care for yourself, or your loved one, in the moments immediately after losing a tooth:

• Make sure the patient is conscious and determine if the injury poses a medical threat. If the patient is not conscious or if the injury appears to be severe, call for medical help.
• If the person is conscious and does not need medical attention, carefully collect the missing tooth. Be sure to avoid touching the tooth’s root. If it needs to be cleaned, use only water to gently rinse it.
• Rinse the individual’s mouth with warm water and attempt to place the tooth back into the socket. Have the person bite on a soft cloth or gauze to hold the tooth in place. If the tooth can’t be reinserted, place it in milk or inside the cheek to keep it from becoming dry.
• A sterile cloth can be used to control bleeding and a cold compress will minimize swelling.
• Call the dentist immediately.

Dr. Arellano has been serving patients in the San Francisco area for many years. He is committed to providing excellence in dental care, and that includes emergencies. If you lose a tooth, or experience another type of dental emergency, call Dr. Arellano’s office for a same day appointment.