You may have been watching your child engage in some playful roughhousing or playing a sport. It was going well until they ran up to you complaining about a tooth that came out! This situation can be scary, but take a breath and do not panic. Firstly, find an emergency dentist for children and take steps to prevent any further damage to their smile. Continue reading to learn about how you can do this.
Was It a Baby Tooth That Got Knocked Out?
If it were a baby tooth, then it’s important to assess your child’s mouth and ensure that there isn’t any more damage to their surrounding teeth and gums. They will likely be bleeding, so have them bite down on a clean washcloth that’s been soaked in cold water. This will help reduce the bleeding and swelling.
Call your child’s emergency dentist once the situation is under control, and they can help you out with the next steps. They will help you decide whether coming in is important, as replacing a baby tooth can damage the permanent one. Instead, they may recommend a spacer to keep your little one’s other teeth from shifting and causing misalignment.
What to Do About a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
When it comes to an adult tooth that came out, there are different steps to follow. Here is what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown and clean it in a bowl of lukewarm tap water. It’s important not to rub or put it under running water, as keeping the cells on the root alive and untouched is crucial for reattachment.
- Try to put the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite down on it with a paper towel or washcloth to keep it from moving.
- If you can’t put it back in their mouth, place it in a glass of cold milk, if available. If not, then your child’s saliva is an alternative.
- Call your child’s emergency dentist and schedule an appointment as early as possible.
Can My Child’s Tooth Be Saved?
A baby tooth will not be replaced, but saving a permanent one is important. They can be treated within an hour of it getting knocked out. With an oral assessment, their dentist can come up with a game plan, like using a splint to hold their tooth in place. Doing this can help encourage the bone and surrounding tissues to reattach to it. In some cases, the damage may be too severe or too much time has passed that other treatment options will be necessary, such as a bridge or partial denture.
Even though your child knocking out a tooth can make you panic, their dentist will be able to help them out. Be sure to remember these tips and have their dental office number saved so you can be quick to act if you find yourself in this situation.
About the Practice
At Purdy Pediatric Dentistry, you benefit from a compassionate team of pediatric dentists who are here to help you during a dental emergency. We are a phone call away to help you find out how you can best care for your child until you can visit our office. By offering same-day appointments, we may be able to address the problem right away. If your child ended up with a knocked-out tooth, the fastest way to contact us is by calling (661) 832-5530.