Sometimes, yes. Whether we can save a tooth depends on the extent of the damage, whether there is an infection present, how much healthy tooth structure remains, and how quickly you can see us.
What Affects the Outcome
- How much of the tooth is broken or missing
- Whether the root or nerve is exposed
- How long the problem has gone untreated
- Whether infection has spread to surrounding tissue
Treatment Options to Save a Tooth
Depending on what your dentist finds, treatment may involve a filling, a crown, a root canal, or, in some cases, an extraction. Coming in sooner rather than later generally gives you more treatment options, since delayed care can sometimes limit what's possible to save.
Help for a Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a critical dental emergency that requires immediate attention. We cannot guarantee the tooth can be saved, but proper handling and getting to our office as quickly as possible improve the odds. Handle the tooth by the crown only; do not touch the root. The root should stay moist, so place it inside your cheek pocket or in a container with milk (never water!).
If you're dealing with a dental emergency, call our Glen Burnie, MD, dental office at (410) 969-9300. We see patients from throughout Anne Arundel County, including Pasadena, Severna Park, Millersville, Odenton, Crofton, Arnold, and Annapolis.