A knocked-out tooth can be a shocking revelation, so if your child comes running to you complaining that they are without one of their teeth, you may be surprised and a bit panicked. However, before you begin to fret about what to do next, remember that it’s best to keep a level head when addressing these kinds of problems. Finding an emergency dentist for children is the first step. After that, you can begin to help your child or teen get the care they need without incurring further damage.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Baby Tooth vs. Permanent Tooth
It’s natural to be concerned, no matter what type of tooth your child accidentally knocks out; however, there are different steps you should take based on whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent one.
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, you should first make sure there is no additional damage to their gums or nearby primary teeth. Using a clean washcloth can also help reduce bleeding and swelling, which is likely when dealing with this type of injury.
Once you have this under control, you can call their emergency pediatric dentist to discuss when your child can come in for a visit. This will be necessary to determine if a space maintainer is required, as this can prevent other teeth from shifting and trying to close the gap, which can make it harder for the permanent tooth to erupt.
If it is an adult tooth that your child knocks out, here are the steps you should take:
- Pick up the tooth by its crown and quickly rinse off any dirt or debris.
- Place the tooth back into the socket, if possible, and have your child gently bite down to keep it from moving.
- If placing the tooth back into their mouth is not possible, make sure you put it in a glass of milk to help save the roots from possible damage and to keep it viable.
- Call your child’s emergency dentist and take them to their office as soon as possible. Knocked-out teeth are time-sensitive injuries that require immediate care.
Can a Child’s Tooth Be Saved?
Although baby teeth will not be replaced, permanent ones can if they are treated within an hour of the tooth getting knocked out. The dentist will look at it and determine if it’s savable. If so, a splint can be used to hold the tooth in place until it reintegrates with the bone and tissues.
If it’s too damaged or too much time has passed, though, it will be necessary to discuss treatment options to prevent dental drift. This may include a dental bridge or partial denture.
While a knocked-out tooth can be scary, it’s nothing your child’s emergency dentist can’t handle. Having someone you and your little one can trust for immediate dental treatment is priceless in these situations – all the more reason to choose a pediatric dentist who meets your family’s needs.
About the Author
Dr. Margaret Santiago is a trusted pediatric dentist who offers emergency services for those who are suffering from a dental injury. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or one of the many other problems children and teens often face, she and the team at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can address the problem right away. If you want to make sure you’re taking the proper steps should your child experience any kind of dental injury, contact us at (925) 575-8878 today.