Losing an adult tooth is much different from losing a baby tooth. If you have lost an adult tooth, whether due to injury, disease, or decay, it is essential to seek emergency dental treatment right away to try to save your tooth or prevent further damage to your mouth that may result from missing teeth. For emergency dentistry in Saint Louis, MO, call Dr. Ronald Triplett of Ronald L. Triplett Family Dentistry.
First Steps
Following the loss of an adult tooth, it is important to try to recover your tooth so that your dentist can have the best chance at restoring it permanently back into your gums. Keep in mind, that you should never touch the root of the tooth, only the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that sits visibly above the gumline when in your mouth. The best way to keep the tooth moist and protected is to attempt to re-insert your tooth into your gums as soon as possible. This is a temporary solution until you get to an emergency dentist. However, if you are unable to do this or are unsure if you can do so safely, you can place the tooth in a glass of milk or saline solution while you are transported to an emergency dentist in Saint Louis, MO.
Importance Of Seeking Treatment
Losing a permanent tooth not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also have negative long-term effects on your oral health. Having an empty socket in your gums can be a breeding ground for bacteria and food particles to collect, which can lead to infection or develop into gum disease if left untreated. With a gap in your teeth, oftentimes the existing teeth in your mouth will begin to shift around. This shifting can further affect the structure of your mouth and face, as well as the health of your existing teeth and gums.
Seeking emergency dentistry treatment for a lost adult tooth can have significant benefits for the future of your smile and oral health. If you or a loved one needs emergency dentistry in Saint Louis, MO, please visit Dr. Ronald Triplett of Ronald L. Triplett Family Dentistry. Give us a call today at (314) 909-1717.