Losing a tooth in an accident is an emergency, but quick action means we may be able to save it. Over five million teeth are avulsed (knocked out) every year. Success depends on following these critical steps calmly and immediately.

Action Steps (The 30-Minute Window)

1. Handle Correctly: Locate the tooth and only handle it by the crown (the chewing part). Do not touch the root.
2. No Scrubbing: Do not clean the tooth with soap or chemicals. If dirt is present, gently rinse it with your own saliva or cold whole milk. Use water only as a last, very careful resort.
3. Act Now: Get to our office within 30 minutes. The chances of successful reattachment drop significantly with every passing moment.

Transporting the Tooth Safely

The tooth must remain moist at all times. Do not use tissue or cloth.

• Best Option (Immediate Reinsertion): Gently place the tooth back into its original socket. Bite down lightly on gauze, a wet tea bag, or your own teeth to hold it steady. Apply a cold compress to the mouth to control pain and swelling.
• Alternative Transport: If reinsertion is impossible, transport the tooth in a sealed container covered with saliva or whole milk. You can also safely hold it inside your mouth, either under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums.
• Preparedness: We recommend keeping a "Save-A-Tooth" kit, available at many pharmacies, as part of your home first aid supplies for easy transport.

The faster the tooth is secured back in the socket, the greater its potential to survive and last for many years.

The following conditions are considered normal following oral surgery.

– Swelling: The swollen area may become quite large, especially after removal of impacted teeth. Use an ice pack with damp covering 20 minutes on and off. The swelling can last up to 5 days, depending on the severity of the surgery.
– Difficulty Opening Mouth: This is not “Lockjaw”. It usually follows removal of impactions and will tend to go away after sutures are removed. Return to the office if this condition persists.
– Numbness: This condition often follows oral surgery and is generally temporary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. In rare cases, it may last for an extended period.
– Sympathetic Pain: Teeth near the extracted one may ache off and on for several days following surgery. Sore throat and earaches are in the same category.
– Hollowed Place Remaining: A depression or cavity will often remain after removal of lower impactions and other teeth. As well as possible, this should be rinsed beginning the day following surgery with the solution provided. Food accumulation in this cavity, even after several days following surgery, will cause recurrent swelling and pain. Return to the office for irrigation if this occurs.
– Sores at Corners of Mouth: This occurs as a result of stretching. Bland ointment should be used to keep area from drying out.
– Stitches in Cheeks: The removal of lower impacted wisdom teeth requires an incision, which extends into the cheek, where stitches will be felt with the tongue.
– Fever: Slight temperature elevation may occur for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature persists, notify office.
– Black and Blue Marks: These are the result of bleeding beneath the skin and are of no consequence. They are not “bruises”.
– Bleeding: Mild oozing of blood may be expected for 24 to 36 hours following the operation. If bleeding continues or increases, phone the office. Place a small gauze ball (provided) or a tea bag, wrapped in gauze, and moistened DIRECTLY OVER TOOTH SOCKET and close firmly for 30 minutes. This acts as a “cork in a bottle”.
– Bone Fragments: For some days following a difficult extraction, bone fragments (not roots) may work through the gum. They are of no significance. X-rays are taken after extractions routinely to assure the absence of roots and satisfactory healing.
– Nausea: Nausea often follows oral surgery by 8 hours and may last several days. It is not related to anesthetic drugs used in modern times, but is usually due to swallowed blood or drainage. Nausea may be treated with any antacid such as milk, bicarbonate of soda, or a commercial product such as Rolaids, Alka-seltzer, etc. Call the office for prescription if these are ineffective.
– Dizziness: A dizzy or groggy feeling may persist for 24 hours or more following general anesthetic. If this occurs, do not drive or operate dangerous machinery. Bed rest is the best cure. Stop taking pain medication or take only half of the dosage.
– Rashes: This may be related to allergy to one of the medications used for pain or infection. Stop taking all medications and call the office.
– Muscle and Joint Pain: These pains are caused by relaxing drugs used in conjunction with modern general anesthetics and are of no significance. It is not the Flu or bruises.
– Chewing: Teeth may not meet after impacted wisdom teeth are removed, due to swelling of the gums. This will improve after suture removal.

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We understand that the fear of pain is often the biggest source of anxiety. We want you to be completely comfortable. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, we offer a full range of sedation options,from IV sedation to Oral sedation and Nitrous oxide. Before your treatment, we will discuss your anxiety levels and health history to select the safest and most effective anesthesia protocol, ensuring you feel relaxed, secure, and experience no pain during the surgery.

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Following surgery, some mild swelling and discomfort are normal. However, we provide you with direct, 24/7 contact information for our surgical team. If you experience severe, increasing pain that isn't managed by your prescribed medication, excessive bleeding, or a high fever, you should call us immediately at +1 407 483 4939

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