Your child’s roughhousing or playing sports can be an innocent thing to watch. You see their smile beam up with laughter or their competitive nature, but what if their tooth comes out? It’s easy to be shocked by this happening, but try to stay calm. Here’s what you should do right away for both a baby and a permanent tooth, and how an emergency dentist for children is here to help.
How Should I Handle a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth?
If it’s a primary structure that came out, then you should focus on making sure there isn’t any other damage. Check their gums and teeth, taking note if anything seems out of the ordinary. Have your loved one bite down on a clean washcloth soaked with cold water to reduce swelling and compress the area to stop any bleeding.
When you call your child’s dentist, mention that it was a baby tooth. It’s often best not to replace them, as doing so can damage the permanent one underneath. Instead, an examination will ensure the surrounding structures aren’t affected, and a spacer may be needed to prevent shifting. That way, their developing smile avoids any trouble.
What Should I Do If a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A permanent tooth requires a few different steps. This is what you should do right away:
- Only touch the structure by the crown.
- Clean it in a still bowl of water. Do not dry or rub it, as it’s important to keep the cells on the root intact. They can be helpful with reattachment.
- Place the tooth back into its socket and have your loved one bite down gently on a washcloth or a paper towel.
- If you can’t do the above, then place the structure into a glass of milk or their saliva.
- Call an emergency dentist and get a visit within an hour. This gives your child the best shot at salvaging their tooth.
In some cases, a splint can be used to save and hold it in place while the surrounding tissues reattach to it. If not, then their provider may have you explore other options, like a partial denture or a bridge.
Although a knocked-out tooth in kids can be stressful, stay calm and remember the steps above. That way, you can act fast and get their oral health sorted out right away.
About the Practice
At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Consultants, our team is dedicated to helping kids in Naperville get the best grins they deserve with a wide range of treatments. Led by Dr. Bassel Dulli and Dr. Abdelrahman Salem, who are both board-certified in their respective specialties, you can feel confident that your loved one gets the care they need, especially when they need it most.
With same-day urgent visits, they can get relief as soon as possible. If your child finds themself in the situation above, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling us at 630-717-5437.