Children are always on the go. Whether it’s playing sports or riding their bike around the neighborhood, getting them to sit still for very long can feel impossible. As a result of their on-the-go nature, you may suddenly find yourself with a panicked child who has a knocked-out tooth. Before you, too, allow your emotions to follow suit, keep reading to discover how to handle the problem at home before getting them to an emergency dentist for help.
What Steps Should Be Taken to Address a Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth?
When it comes to addressing a child’s knocked-out tooth, you cannot handle the situation the same way as you would with an adult. Instead of attempting to reinsert the tooth into the vacant socket, there are various steps you need to take to avoid causing additional harm to your child’s smile while waiting to get in to see their dentist.
First, you need to determine if it is a baby tooth. If so, you do not want to try and put it back into the socket simply because it could potentially damage the underlying permanent tooth that is waiting to erupt. Instead, focus on stopping the bleeding and getting them to the dentist’s office. They may need to bite down on a clean, wet washcloth to try and minimize any swelling and blood loss.
If the tooth is a permanent one, you’ll follow many of the same steps as you would if it were an adult dealing with the same kind of injury.
Once retrieving the tooth, you will need to hold it only by the crown and rinse off any dirt or debris. If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child gently bite down to hold it in place. If this is unsuccessful, place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it with you to their appointment.
How Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Treated?
Once arriving at the dentist’s office, you can expect your child’s dental professional will begin to examine their mouth.
If it is a baby tooth that is no longer in its socket, it will be determined if a space maintainer needs to be inserted into the vacant spot. This prevents nearby healthy teeth from shifting out of alignment, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt normally and in the proper position.
If it is a permanent tooth that needs to be treated, the dentist will determine if it can be reintegrated with the bone tissues. If so, it will be splinted into place. If not, discussions for tooth replacement will be necessary to avoid worsening oral health problems or bite misalignment concerns. Possible replacement options might be a dental bridge or partial denture.
Although the situation can cause panic, it’s important that you and your child remain calm. No matter the situation, you can trust that your child’s dentist will deliver the care they need to walk away with a healthier, fuller, and pain-free smile.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
At Grand Dental – Naperville, we are pleased to have a board-certified periodontist on staff. Capable of treating all kinds of gum disease, we can ensure that patients who have inflamed or bleeding gums receive the highest quality care available. Whether caused by poor oral hygiene or ill-fitting dentures, we have the technology and services necessary to improve gum health and minimize the potential for more serious and fatal issues. Visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970 to learn how we can help.