If you’ve experienced a knocked-out tooth, there is a small window to potentially save the tooth. However, if you simultaneously experience any type of blow or trauma to the head or face, you must seek medical care first. Although a knocked-out tooth can be saved if immediate treatment is rendered, there are also a variety of restorative treatments that can restore your smile with a dental implant or dental bridge.

Getting Treatment for a Knocked Out Tooth

If you have had an adult, permanent tooth knocked out in a fall, bicycle accident, or other sporting accident, try to locate the tooth. Carefully pick up the tooth by the white part (crown), using caution to avoid touching the tooth root.  

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it under water, and attempt to guide it back into its socket.  You may need to use your tongue to hold the tooth in place. If your tooth doesn’t fit easily in the socket, you may hold it inside your cheek or place it in a cup of milk while you make your way to the dentist.

Call your dentist immediately, and notify you that you are on the way. You typically have an hour or less to receive successful treatment.

If you can see a dentist within an hour, they will determine a treatment plan, depending on the condition of the tooth. In some cases, they may be able to place the tooth back in the socket and use stabilizing splints to hold it in place. A tooth that has been knocked out and is in pieces may not be able to be saved. 

If a child has a baby tooth knocked out, you should call your dentist before attempting to put the tooth back in the socket. In many cases, you will be advised to go to the dentist, but the tooth will not be reimplanted, as it may obstruct the eruption of a permanent tooth.

Restorative Dental Treatment Options to Replace a Knocked-Out Tooth 

You will not have to live with a gap in your smile if you lose a tooth. Two options are available to restore your smile.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge fills a gap between one or more teeth by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth that hold a replacement tooth (called a pontic) in the gap. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, your dental bridge can be expected to last 7 years or longer.

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace both the missing crown of the tooth and the tooth root. Dental implants also prevent the loss of jawbone, which is necessary to keep nearby teeth stable. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, restoring your smile and bite force.  With good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits, a dental implant will last 20 years or longer.

Get Emergency Dental Treatment in Albuquerque

If you’ve experienced a knocked out tooth, or any other type of dental emergency, call the office of Dr. Brian K. Dennis immediately at 505-292-1051 for priority treatment. Dr. Dennis is one of New Mexico’s most trusted, awarded, and recognized dentists. As a top-reviewed dentist on Google, Dr. Dentist is a past President of The Albuquerque District Dental Society. 

Restorative dentistry is dental work that involves fixing or replacing damaged teeth. Some types of restorative dentistry are done during routine visits. For example, your dentist may fill a small cavity when you visit for preventative cleaning. Other types of restorative dentistry involve several visits and custom-made hardware.

Because the term “restorative dentistry” covers such a wide range of procedures, it can be hard to estimate exactly how much you may need to pay. To get a good idea of how much restorative dental work costs in Albuquerque, you should first learn:

• The average costs of the most common procedures
• What factors can change the costs
• Your payment options for restorative dentistry

Only your dentist can give you the exact dollar amount that you can expect to pay for restorative dental work. However, knowing these three things can help you figure out your budget.

Average Cost of Common Restorative Dental Procedures

We can’t speak for other dentists in our area. Below are our average prices for restorative dentistry procedures:

• Composite filling - $195-399
• Inlay or onlay - $1000-1250
• Crown - $1200-1350
• Dental bridge - $3600-3768
• Dental implant - $2229-2850
• Dentures - $928-1920

While these averages may give you a good idea of the cost of restorative dentistry, it’s important to note that some patients pay more or less for their procedures. Your dentist will take many factors into account before preparing your final bill.

For example, a full set of dentures costs more than a partial set. Whether you need anesthesia and the type you need will also affect how much you pay for dental work of any kind. It’s important to work with a transparent, understanding dental office that won’t charge surprise fees.

Several advancements in dentistry can help you save money on restorative dentistry. For example, we use CEREC ® Technologies for crowns, bridges, and other restorative dentistry. This allows you to get restorative dentistry done in just one visit, saving you time and money.

How to Pay for Restorative Dentistry in Albuquerque

The cost of restorative dentistry should never keep you from having a healthy, bright smile. Furthermore, delaying restorative dentistry work often leads to more urgent (and expensive) problems down the road. That’s why we offer several payment options for our patients.

First, we always recommend dental insurance. This is different from the medical insurance you would use at your primary care doctor’s office or the hospital. Check with your employer to see what dental insurance you can access, or try public programs.

Many people do not have dental insurance or have high deductibles on their plans. We believe all people deserve access to dental care. That’s why we offer a membership program at our practice. Finally, if you need to pay your bill over time, we can help you gain access to services like Care Credit and GreenSky.

Get Your Estimate for Restorative Dentistry in Albuquerque

Do you need restorative dentistry, but you’re worried about the cost. Let our friendly staff help you figure out the best way forward. We have plenty of experience with insurance, financing, and more. If you’re ready to restore your smile, contact us today at 505-292-1051 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.