TOOTH INJURY & LOSS (Tooth Avulsion) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Damage to a tooth severe enough to separate it completely from the gum and bone without fracture. Children whose front teeth have short, slender roots are most likely to lose teeth through injury.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Teeth.
Bones that hold teeth.
Gums and soft tissue surrounding the tooth, including nerves, blood vessels and covering to bone (periosteum).
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Missing tooth.
Pain and bleeding from the tooth site.
Swelling of gums soon after injury.
CAUSESDirect blow to the tooth and gum.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports, especially football and boxing.
Poor nutrition, especially calcium deficiency.
Poor dental hygiene or gum disease.
HOW TO PREVENTWear a helmet, strong face guard and mouthpiece whenever possible during contact sports.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Dentist's or oral surgeon's evaluation and replantation of an avulsed tooth.
Blood studies after surgery to evaluate blood loss and infection.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms and signs.
Medical history and physical exam by your dentist or oral surgeon.
X-rays of the mouth and jaw to detect additional injuries.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent tooth loss if the replantation fails.
Excessive bleeding.
Infection.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEAllow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery if complications don't occur. After it heals, the tooth often appears normal. If it darkens, a plastic dental veneer can be applied to make it cosmetically acceptable.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AID
Find and wash the missing tooth or teeth.
Replace the tooth in its socket as soon as possible.
If you cannot replace the tooth in its socket, wash it and keep it wet in a wet cloth until you reach a dentist or doctor. Put a moist cloth in the empty socket and have the patient bite on it.
Go to the dentist or emergency room immediately. HURRY!
The longer the tooth stays out of the mouth, the less the chance of saving it.
CONTINUING CARE
THE DENTIST OR ORAL SURGEON WILL:
Cleanse the socket.
Remove the nerve from the tooth and fill the root canal with a plasticlike material before the tooth is replaced.
Replace the tooth in its socket.
Anchor the tooth to neighboring teeth with wire or plastic. The tooth must be held in place for 6 to 8 weeks. HOME CARE AFTER REPLANTATION:
Don't rinse your mouth, spit, smoke, or suck on straws for 24 hours after tooth replantation.
After 24 hours, brush your other teeth often with a soft toothbrush. A clean mouth heals faster. Don't brush the injured tooth until you have clearance from your denist.
Beginning 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth every 1 or 2 hours with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of lukewarm water.
Don't bite down on the affected tooth until healing is complete.
MEDICATION
You may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen for minor pain.
Your doctor may prescribe:
Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need.
Antibiotics to fight infection.
Mouthwashes.
ACTIVITYAvoid vigorous physical exercise for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. Wear a face mask after resuming sports activity.
DIETAdequate food and fluid intake following surgery will promote more rapid healing. If you can't avoid putting pressure on the tooth by eating your normal diet, follow a liquid high-protein diet for 2 or 3 days. Avoid all alcoholic beverages during healing.
REHABILITATIONNone.
CALL YOUR DENTIST IF
You have a tooth knocked out.
Any of the following occur after surgery:
Increased mouth pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding.
Signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general ill feeling and fever).
New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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