Batter Up!

Summer is in full swing and with that comes baseball games, the swimming pool and trampoline fun! At least once a year it seems, we handle an emergency at GFD that involves avulsed or knocked out teeth. Do you know what to do in such an event?
If a tooth comes out with the root intact, it is important to get the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible. It only goes in one way, so have the patient or a relative try to guide it back into position and hold it there. This is especially important if a trip to the ER is necessary for stitches or x-rays because after an hour, a clot will form at the base of the socket preventing us from seating the tooth all the way. Call us imediately to meet you at the office to help stabilize the tooth. This tooth may still discolor and eventually need to come out but if stabilized, it will help preserve the tissue and bone and allow you more time to make important treatment decisions.
Finally, if participating in a sporting event, it's important to wear protection such as a face mask or mouth guard like the ones GFD is fabricationg for the Milton High School football team!

Have a Great summer and keep your teeth in your head!

Dr. Rosie Panich