Losing a permanent tooth can be a concerning event. Unlike primary, or baby, teeth that are naturally replaced, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Recognizing when a permanent tooth has been lost and understanding the immediate steps to take are important for preserving oral function and minimizing potential complications.
Distinguishing Permanent Teeth
Identifying a permanent tooth from a primary tooth involves considering several characteristics. Permanent teeth typically begin to emerge around age six or seven. Most individuals will have a full set of permanent teeth, excluding wisdom teeth, by age 13, and wisdom teeth usually erupt between 17 and 21 years of age. Adults commonly have 32 permanent teeth, which is significantly more than the 20 primary teeth children possess.
Permanent teeth also differ in their physical appearance compared to primary teeth. They are generally larger and often appear less white, sometimes with a yellowish tint, in contrast to the typically whiter baby teeth. Additionally, the roots of permanent teeth are typically more complex, longer, and more numerous than the simpler, shorter roots of primary teeth. Once a permanent tooth is lost, the body cannot naturally grow a replacement.
Signs of Permanent Tooth Loss
When a permanent tooth is lost, several indicators can help confirm the event. The most direct sign is a visible gap in the dental arch where the tooth once resided. Following the loss, bleeding often occurs from the empty socket in the gum tissue. Individuals may also experience pain or tenderness in the affected area, indicating the trauma of tooth displacement.
A loose adult tooth can also be a precursor to loss, signaling underlying issues that may lead to the tooth detaching. Losing a tooth can impair oral functions, causing difficulty with chewing food, speaking clearly, or biting effectively. Increased sensitivity to temperature in the area of the missing tooth may also be experienced.
What to Do After Tooth Loss
Prompt action after losing a permanent tooth can significantly affect the outcome, especially if the tooth was knocked out. If the tooth is found, handle it carefully by the crown, which is the visible part, and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution for a few seconds; do not scrub it or use tap water, as this can damage cells on the root surface. If possible, attempt to gently reinsert the tooth into its socket, ensuring it faces the correct way, and then bite down softly on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to hold it in place.
Should reinsertion not be possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saline solution. Alternatively, the tooth can be held inside the mouth, between the cheek and gums, using saliva for preservation. Immediately contact a dentist or seek emergency dental care, as timely intervention, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour, greatly increases the chance of successful re-implantation.
To manage any pain and bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the socket with clean gauze and use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate discomfort.