Loosened Tooth: If mild, it usually tightens up on its own ( may bleed a little from the gums).
Displaced Tooth: Any tooth that has been pushed out of normal position needs to be seen by a dentist to assess the damage. Displaced teeth that interfere with biting, chewing, or closing of the mouth need to be repositioned within 4 hours for reasons of comfort and function. Mild displacement can wait for 24 hours for assessment.
Knocked-out Tooth: This is a dental emergency. The knocked-out tooth needs to be placed back in its socket as soon as possible, ideally within the hour.
FIRST AID for Knocked-out Tooth
-To save the tooth , it must be put back in its socket as soon as possible.
Use the following technique:
– Rinse off the tooth with saliva or water. Do not scrub the tooth.
– Replace it in the socket facing the correct way.
– Press down on the tooth with your thumb until the crown is level with the adjacent tooth.
– Lastly, bite down on a wad of cloth to stabilize the tooth until you can be seen by a dentist.
Transporting a Knocked-out Tooth
Follow these instructions if you are not able to put the tooth back in its socket.
– It is very important to keep the tooth moist. Do not let it dry out.
– Transport the tooth in saliva or milk.
– You think you have a serious tooth injury
– Knocked-out tooth (see First Aid and Transport information)
– Tooth is almost falling out
– Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position
– Tooth that’s pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite
– Chipped tooth is missing a large piece, or a red dot is visible inside the chipped area
– Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
– Severe pain