So…let’s say I’m a clutz and I knocked out a permanent tooth. I’ve already called my dentist and am on my way to try and save it. But, if he can’t, what do I do? I’d rather ask a cosmetic dentist because that seems like a cosmetic issue to me.
Tanya
Dear Tanya,
Wait? Are you saying you don’t want to look like a hockey player with a bad dental plan? I can’t imagine why not.
First, let me congratulate you on going to your dentist immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving a permanent tooth which has been knocked out. Ideally, you’ll want to get to the emergency dentist within thirty minutes. Plus, be sure to keep the tooth moist and only hold it by the crown. Never mess with the root.
If the Emergency Dentist Can’t Save Your Tooth
The absolute best replacement would be to get a dental implant. It uses a prosthetic root to stand in for the lost tooth root and then has a porcelain crown attached to it to mimic the lost tooth. They’re permanent and function just like your natural teeth. You can eat what you want and brush as you normally would.
However, it is an advanced procedure which requires some post-doctoral training on the part of the dentist. So, be certain to ask them about their training and experience.
I also want to congratulate you for realizing you’ll need an experienced cosmetic dentist to give you a beautiful result. If you’re talking about replacing a single front tooth, then it’s even more imperative. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you.
Ideally, you’d want to see an AACD accredited dentist. Those dentists who’ve reached accreditation level are the top cosmetic dentists in the world. They can recreate your tooth exactly.
If you desire, they can even custom design a complete smile makeover for you with porcelain veneers to match your new tooth. These can recreate anything you’d like to about your smile. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth all in one fell swoop.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.