Avulsed (Knocked out Teeth): What are my options?

Avulsed (Knocked out Teeth): What are my options?

When you, a family member, or a friend, have the misfortune of having a tooth knocked out, you have got to be prepared to act quickly. Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can keep you from going into a state of panic, and your preparation can often prevent permanent tooth loss.

A tooth that has been knocked out (or avulsed) should be carefully preserved and you should seek the help of a dentist as soon as possible. If there is a chance of saving the tooth, your dentist will need to reposition it within the tooth socket within a relatively short period of time.

In the event that your natural tooth cannot be saved, you’ll be relieved to know that you have excellent options for replacing missing teeth. We’re in the middle of an amazing time in modern dentistry. With advanced technology and refined techniques, it’s possible to virtually duplicate the characteristics of a real tooth! That means that the appearance of your smile and your ability to chew can be restored with excellent results.

A dental bridge and removable partial denture are both acceptable means of tooth replacement, but the real star of the show is the dental implant. That’s because implants are far less bulky, more comfortable, more conservative, and more attractive than any other solution.

Whereas a partial denture must span across the entire mouth in order to replace even a single tooth, and a dental bridge requires your dentist to cap (or crown) at least two other natural teeth, a dental implant only involves the space left by the missing tooth. In other words, a one-tooth problem requires a one-tooth solution. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that stands independently without imposing on the neighboring teeth.

Long-term maintenance of a dental implant is also less imposing than your other alternatives. A partial denture must be removed daily for cleaning and a bridge will require a special flossing appliance for daily plaque control. Caring for your dental implant will require the same daily brushing and flossing that your natural teeth deserve.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Carlos Rafael Ibañez today to learn about your options for a dental implant when you’ve had a tooth knocked out. Call our office at 434-295-0911 for more information.