A knocked-out tooth is a timely issue that requires immediate treatment. But in the meantime, you may feel unprepared when it comes to handling the situation at home. Here are a few things you can do to minimize your child’s pain and keep them calm while waiting to see the dentist.
Baby Tooth vs. Permanent Tooth: Is It Still an Emergency?
No matter if your child loses a baby or permanent tooth to a sudden injury, time is of the essence. Although a lost baby tooth might not seem as urgent because these teeth eventually fall out anyway, it’s important that you get them in to see a dentist for a few reasons:
- Depending on the severity of the injury, additional damage may extend to the nearby teeth and/or gums.
- If there is still time before a permanent tooth erupts, a space maintainer will be required to keep healthy teeth from shifting out of alignment.
When it comes to your child losing a permanent tooth, getting them in to see a dentist within the hour will increase the chances of being able to save it. Since these teeth are crucial at this age, making sure your child’s smile is fully intact whether through reintegration or replacement is important.
What To Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
Should your child experience a knocked-out tooth, there are a few steps you’ll want to take:
- First, make sure to call your dentist’s office to let them know about the situation. They can offer helpful tips to reduce any pain and keep your child calm.
- Retrieve the tooth, if possible, and have your child rinse out their mouth.
- Place the tooth in a container of milk to keep its roots viable. This will ensure it remains in good condition while making your way to the dentist’s office.
- Have your child place clean gauze over the vacant socket so that any bleeding will cease.
Once arriving at the dentist’s office, the dentist will examine your child’s smile and determine whether saving it is possible or if a replacement tooth or space maintainer is required. No matter the decision, getting them in right away is the best course of action you can take to protect their smile.
About Grand Dental – Channahon
Grand Dental – Channahon cares about young smiles, which is why our team goes above and beyond to help patients when dental emergencies occur. Since children are always running and playing, a knocked-out tooth can easily happen. This is why we encourage parents to visit our website or call (815) 240-9009 so that we can provide immediate assistance. We are pleased to have a talented team of dental experts and specialists who are skilled and equipped to treat smiles of all types of ages.