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Emergency – Fractured or Avulsed Teeth (knocked out)

Feb 24 • 1 minute read

What is a Dental Emergency?

Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out (avulsed), forced out of position and loosened (extruded) or fractured. In addition, lips, gums or cheeks are often cur. Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

How soon should I see a dentist?

Immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

When a tooth is knocked out:

  • Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
  • Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone re-attachment.
  • Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub.
  • Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out.
  • If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.


When a tooth is pushed out of position:

  • Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth.
  • Bite down to keep the tooth from moving.
  • The dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth.


When a tooth is fractured:

  • Rinse mouth with warm water.
  • Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Use ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain.
  • Immediately get to your dentist, who will determine treatment based on how badly the tooth is broken. Only a dentist can tell how bad the break is.
  • Minor fracture: Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone.
  • Another option is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case, treat the tooth with care for several days.
  • Moderate fracture: Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and /or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown. If pupal damage does occur, further dental treatment will be required.
  • Severe fracture: Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with slim chance of recovery. Complete restoration will be necessary.


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Melinda W., Heber City
I was using a dentist in Salt Lake, but a family member said, ‘Why are you making that trip just to see a dentist? You ought to go see Reed Lobrot in Heber.’ I took the advice, and am very glad I did.
Dr. Lobrot did a great job putting veneers on my teeth. I’m very happy with the work, and that he got it done so expeditiously. I’m amazed at how much additional confidence that dental work has given me. Reed Lobrot will absolutely continue to be my dentist.
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Wayne S., Heber City
To say the least, I had a ‘messed up’ mouth, and spent years being dissatisfied with how it made me look. Dr. Lobrot did a wonderful job giving me an almost perfect smile. I’m completely comfortable smiling now; his work has made a world of difference in how I feel about myself.
Dr. Lobrot and his staff treat me, my husband and our daughter with so much kindness. We’re very happy to be his patients.
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Kate W., Heber City
I have feared and dreaded seeing the dentist since I was a child. During the last five years, Dr. Lobrot has helped me get over these fears by giving painless shots and using innovative dental techniques. He also has a helpful, positive relationship with his patients. I recommend him to anyone, especially those that have a fear of shots.
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Janice J.
Dr Lobrot was recommended to me by my boss when we moved up to Wasatch County years ago. I am so thankful to Dan for telling me about Dr. Lobrot. He is so nice and, from my experience, a great dentist. He hires the best people to work for him, too. They are always so kind and seem happy to be there. I will continue to recommend Dr. Lobrot to anyone who needs a dentist in Wasatch County. Thanks for taking such good care of me and my family.
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Dona H.
Like a lot of children, my son has had several cavities and fillings. Despite the number of times he has gone to the dentist to have work done, the day he was told he had two new cavities which needed filling his anxiety went through the roof. However, his most recent visit to Dr. Lobrot is a different story. Dr. Lobrot and his staff made him comfortable and put him at ease. They were so kind and gentle that my son left with two new fillings and a huge smile on his face.
Thank you so much Dr. Lobrot and the rest of the Back of the Wasatch staff, you are all amazing!
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Samantha H.
We would like to thank you and your staff for the wonderful work you did on our teeth. You were all friendly, kind, understanding and very aware of our feelings, thoughts and needs. The crowns look beautiful and feel great. I, Marsha especially thank you for listening to my fears, understanding and being so compassionate about them. You have taken away my fears about going to the dentist. Thank you Dr Lobrot, for calling to see if we were doing okay. That is really going the extra mile and very thoughtful. It was all a positive and good experience. Thank you again!!!
M

Marsha and Jon K.
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