If you've made an appointment to have a tooth extracted or want to keep your child's teeth, there are some simple conservation methods. In case the extraction has not yet been done, be sure to tell your dentist in advance that you want to keep your teeth. After extraction, in order for the conservation to take place in the right way, they must be disinfected correctly and kept hydrated. You can perform the procedure by placing the extracted teeth in an airtight container with water, saline or diluted bleach.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Undergo Tooth Extraction
Step 1. Notify your dentist right away so they know you want to keep your teeth
Dentists and oral surgeons are not required to return teeth following removal, as a result many dentists do not return extracted teeth to the patient. To make sure you keep them, notify your dentist before extraction.
Step 2. Make sure the extracted teeth have been cleaned properly
Once the dentist or surgeon has removed the tooth, they will need to clean it properly. This means that you have to remove all blood residues, apply a disinfectant and then rinse it with tap water. Before you leave, make sure your dentist has done all of these steps.
Step 3. Put the extracted teeth in an airtight bag before leaving
Once the extracted teeth have been cleaned and disinfected, place them in an airtight bag. Often it is the dentist himself who puts them in a sachet; however, if he doesn't, ask him to give you a bag or small container for the purpose of storage.
Step 4. Clean the extracted teeth carefully if you removed them yourself
If you have your teeth extracted at home, you will need to follow the same protocol as the dentist when it comes to cleaning them. First, use soap and water to remove blood or other residues. Take a cotton ball or pad and moisten it with isopropyl alcohol, then gently apply it to your teeth to disinfect them. Once the procedure is complete, rinse them with tap water.
Make sure you wash your hands before and after touching the extracted teeth
Part 2 of 2: Retain the Teeth
Step 1. Place the liquid and extracted teeth in an airtight container
Once you've chosen your preferred method of keeping extracted teeth hydrated, find a suitable container. It should be durable and leak proof, which is why it is best to opt for an airtight container. Pour the liquid into it and add the teeth. Close it well.
- An airtight glass jar will do.
- Place the container in an airtight plastic bag to make sure it doesn't leak (if you wish).
Step 2. Put the extracted teeth in water or saline solution for short term storage
You can use distilled water or a saline solution to keep extracted teeth well hydrated. If you decide to use plain water, it is good to change it every day to prevent the formation of bacteria.
This method is preferable for those who want to keep their teeth for only a few days. You need to change the water or saline solution if you intend to keep them longer with this method
Step 3. Use a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water to make sure you sterilize your teeth
Plain bleach is a great disinfectant and should prevent bacteria from forming on extracted teeth. Make a solution by diluting the bleach in tap water (1:10 ratio).
- Extracted teeth can be kept in bleach for 2 to 7 days, but storing them in this solution for too long can make them brittle.
- If you wish, you can soak your teeth in this solution to disinfect them before allowing them to dry.
Step 4. Place the extracted teeth in an airtight container for permanent storage
Keeping the extracted teeth in a liquid-free container is the best option. Once you have cleaned and disinfected them following extraction, place them in a small container with an airtight lid.
