Scratches, bumps, bruises – these are all a part of growing up. Children sustain these minor injuries as they ride their bikes, visit playgrounds, and run around the park. What most parents aren’t prepared for is an injury that leaves their kid missing a tooth. The sight alone can send some moms and dads into panic mode, wondering what comes next. Fortunately, in this article, you’ll find a helpful guide of what to do when your little tyke has a tooth knocked out and what you can expect from your dentist visit.
What Should My Immediate Reaction Be?
First, as a parent, you’ll want to remain calm and comfort your child to diffuse the situation, though you may find yourself panicking along with them on the inside. Then, you’ll want to find the tooth since there’s a good chance it can be reimplanted if it’s a permanent one.
Next, follow these steps:
- Hold the tooth by the top, avoiding the roots.
- Make sure it’s not fractured and intact.
- Clean the tooth briefly with lukewarm tap water.
- Try putting the tooth back into its socket by having your child gently bite down on gauze or a moist paper towel. Try to keep their jaw shut until you get to their dentist.
- If you can’t put the tooth in its socket, keep it in a small container of saliva or cold milk.
- Call your dentist for an appointment. The staff will help schedule your visit and can provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance.
What Happens at the Dentist’s Office?
Treatment could go several ways, depending on whether it’s a permanent or baby tooth and if it can be reattached.
Reattaching a permanent tooth is a relatively simple procedure. The dentist will splint the tooth to the surrounding teeth using a thin metal or plastic wire and allow the ligaments connecting it to the jawbone to regrow over several weeks. Once the tooth has reattached and is strong, they’ll remove the splint.
A knocked-out baby tooth, conversely, will likely require a space maintainer. When baby teeth come out prematurely, the surrounding baby teeth can drift into the gap. This can cause the adult teeth to be crowded and crooked, potentially leading to the need for orthodontic work and an increased risk of dental disease. A space maintainer can help preserve the opening where the tooth was lost to maintain your child’s dental alignment while ensuring the adult tooth comes in straight.
What Can Be Done if Reattachment Isn’t Possible?
Try as they may to do everything in their power, sometimes, reattaching the tooth after being knocked out just isn’t possible for the dentist.
For kids, a bridge for a single tooth or multiple missing teeth is the normal recommendation. This treatment consists of connecting a false tooth or teeth to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, thus “bridging the gap.”
Remember, stay calm and breathe, find the tooth if possible, and get to your dentist promptly to discuss the options available for a knocked-out tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Ivan Huynh earned his credentials from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry before completing his pediatric specialty training there as well. He is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If your little one has an emergency, Dr. Huynh and our team at Sunny Shore Pediatric Dentistry of Lake Saint Louis offer same-day visits after hours and on the weekend. Visit us online to make an appointment or call our office at (636) 265-6073.