A knocked-out or injured tooth is one of those dental situations that sends shivers down the spine of everyone. It may be during a weekend ball game, an accidental fall, or even a friendly dinner. What matters most is how quickly you respond. Receiving prompt attention from a Bedford dentist like Dr. Elam at Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates can make all the difference in losing or saving a tooth.

Most people are unaware that the window for saving a knocked-out tooth is between 30 minutes to an hour. This is why remaining calm, protecting the tooth, and getting immediate professional help is so important. Being aware of what to do next and where to go for help can prevent long-term damage and save your smile for years to come.

Understand Tooth Injuries

A dental trauma doesn’t always indicate a knocked-out tooth. Trauma also leads to chips, cracks, or internal damage that won’t always be obvious right away. You might experience sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding of the gums that you shouldn’t ignore.

Even if the tooth looks just fine, there could be internal damage or nerve damage. This is why dental examination is so critical. Dr. Elam uses advanced imaging and comfortable diagnostic methods to look at the health of both the damaged tooth and the surrounding tissues.

Delay can lead to infection, black tooth, or even tooth loss. Seeking early treatment not only relieves pain but also improves your chances of full recovery.

What To Do Right Away After a Knockout

If you have a knocked-out tooth, act fast and be careful. Here’s what dentists recommend:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse it gently with water – never use soap or a scrub.
• Try to push it back into its socket if you can.
• If not, place it in milk or a Save-A-Tooth solution.

Then, get help for a knocked-out or injured tooth right away. The quicker you make it to a dentist’s office, the better your chances of saving it.

If you’re searching online for a “dentist near me” during a dental emergency, contact Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates immediately. We prioritize emergency cases and provide quick, compassionate care to restore your comfort and confidence.

Why Choose Dr. Elam for Treating Tooth Injury

Dr. Elam’s treatment of tooth injury is aimed at restoring function and health. Along with providing immediate pain relief, she takes into consideration how the injury affects your gums, bite, and nearby teeth. Whether the solution involves repositioning the loose tooth, splinting the tooth to stabilize it, or providing restorative treatment, every step is taken with a focus on saving your natural smile.

Prevent Future Dental Emergencies

Once the pain is gone, prevention becomes the next concern. Wearing a mouthguard while participating in sports, not biting into hard objects, and routine dental checkups (twice a year) can reduce the risk of a subsequent injury. Your dentist can also check for bite irregularities or softened enamel that might place your teeth at higher risk.

Tooth trauma can happen to anyone, but the right response makes all the difference. Dr. Elam and the Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates team are here to get you fixed up fast and comfortably. If you’re in pain, swelling, or have a missing tooth, schedule a visit to our Bedford dental office.