It can be nice seeing your child engage in innocent roughhousing or playing their favorite sport, but what if they run up to you saying their tooth came out! It’s understandable to be shocked, but it’s important to stay calm. While you are getting ready to look for an emergency dentist for children, follow this simple guide on what to do during this situation to protect your loved one’s oral health.
How To Handle a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
When you inspect your child’s mouth and see that it was a baby tooth, then it’s important to check for damage. See if their gums and other teeth are okay. If they are bleeding, then you can use a clean washcloth soaked in cold water to help stop it. This can also help reduce any swelling.
As you call your child’s dentist, they can help you decide if coming in is important. Since it’s a baby tooth, replacing it can damage the permanent one underneath, so a spacer may be best instead. This can help prevent any shifting.
What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out
That being said, what if it’s a permanent tooth? Here is what you should do:
- Grab the tooth by the crown and clean it inside a bowl of lukewarm water. Do not rub it or put it under running water! There are cells on the root that need to stay intact to encourage reattachment.
- Put the tooth back in the socket and tell your child to bite down gently on a paper towel or washcloth. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then place it in a glass of cold milk or your child’s saliva.
- Call an emergency dentist for kids and visit them as soon as possible.
Will My Child’s Tooth Be Able to Be Saved?
While a baby tooth may not be replaced, it’s important to save its permanent one! These can be treated within an hour of the incident happening. After a quick oral assessment, their dentist can come up with a treatment plan. They may use a splint to hold the tooth in place while the tissues reattach to it. In some cases, this may not be an option, so a bridge or partial denture may be recommended.
While your child’s knocked-out tooth can be worrying, take the steps above! Getting them the care they need right away can help preserve their oral health.
About the Practice
At South Ridge Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer. We understand that dental emergencies, like a knocked-out tooth, can happen suddenly. Whether it’s you or a little one, we offer same-day appointments to help give them the treatment and relief they deserve. If you or someone you know is in need of urgent dental care, the fastest way to contact us is by calling (402) 423-1616.