Losing a baby tooth can often seem like quite a big deal. If a baby tooth is lost to an accident it actually is quite a big deal. Baby teeth serve several special roles and the premature loss of a tooth can have a profound and lasting impact on your oral health. When the adult teeth are ready to come in the baby teeth will start loosen and eventfully fall out. When this happens don't worry about it too much, but using a baby tooth chart may help you keep track of the teeth.
When losing a baby tooth to an accident it is extremely helpful to know what to do. If the proper procedures are followed the tooth can actually be saved. Often this is not necessary because the adult tooth will be ready to come in. But if the tooth is lost prematurely it can cause orthodontic problems later on. The surrounding teeth may shift position because there is not supposed to be a gap in the teeth. This can cause the adult tooth to come in at a crooked angle later on. Orthodontic treatment is required to fix such a problem.
When losing a baby tooth, follow these procedures. First off, stay calm, panicking will not help. Find the tooth that was knocked out. When you pick it up, make sure to do so by the crown of the tooth, not the roots. Rinse the tooth off with cold water. Once you are sure it is clean you can do one of two things. Some dentists suggest putting the tooth back into the socket and seeing a dentist immediately. Other dentists suggest putting the tooth in a container with milk. Either way, it is important to seek emergency dental care from an emergency dentist immediately.
If you are interested in learning more about what to do when losing a baby tooth and would like to speak with our dentists in the Atlanta area, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team is one of the most experienced in Atlanta with over 20 years of experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule an appointment with our Atlanta family dentist, or if you are seeking emergency care call to make an appointment, at 404-874-7428.