If you or someone near you should happen to get a tooth knocked out, fast action may allow the tooth to be saved. The tooth must be collected quickly, stored properly and taken immediately to an emergency dentist along with the injured person. If you act fast enough, the tooth may be able to be reinserted and saved. If not, it will likely need to be replaced with an expensive implant.
Instructions
1. Check on the general well being of the victim as soon as a tooth has been knocked out. If the victim has more extensive injuries, you may need to call 911 for an ambulance. Assess the situation calmly and rationally to determine the level of medical care that is called for.
2. Collect the tooth or teeth immediately if the victim does not need medical attention other than that of a dentist. If one or more teeth have been broken into pieces, make every effort to collect all of the pieces of every tooth.
3. Transfer the tooth, teeth or pieces to a clean, empty container made of glass or plastic. Make sure it is a container with a tight fitting lid.
4. Pour milk into the container so that the tooth or teeth are completely covered. The calcium will help extend the length of time that a tooth can remain separated before it dies.
5. Call the emergency number of the victim's dentist of record immediately, if possible. If the number is not readily available, refer immediately to a phone book or online phone directory. Look for dentists that advertise emergency care and that are located near your current location.
6. Call the most appropriate dentist's office and calmly explain the situation to the person that answers the phone. If the office can help right away, ask for directions and write them down. If the office cannot help, continue going through the phone directory and calling offices until you find someone that can help.
7. Drive the victim to the chosen dentist's office or transport the person via other means. Don't forget to take along the tooth in the milk.
8. Go inside with the victim and the saved tooth. Calmly identify yourself to the person seeing incoming patients. Explain the situation and tell the person that you have brought the tooth along, and that it is submerged in milk. If asked to do so, hand over the tooth.
9. Be sure to send the tooth along with him if you still have it.
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