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Children - Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

Avulsed (knocked-out) Teeth:

Deciduous (Baby) Teeth. If a deciduous tooth is avulsed, do not place it back in the socket. Deciduous teeth which have been replaced tend to fuse to the bony socket and present with difficulties when it's time for the tooth to exfoliate (fall-out). Also, there's a risk of damaging the permanent tooth underneath when the deciduous tooth is replaced.


Permanent Teeth. If knocked-out, a permanent tooth can be replaced in the socket by your dentist; most have a fair chance of surviving. Every minute the tooth is out of the socket decreases the chance of its survival.


First Aid Procedures:

1. Find the tooth.
2. Don't touch the tooth's roots. Handle the tooth only by its crown.
3. Don't attempt to clean the tooth.
4. Wrap the tooth lightly in glad wrap or store it in milk or in your mouth (just don't swallow it!)
5. Seek dental help immediately, it's essential that the tooth be replaced within 30 minutes to ensure its best chance at survival

Chipped Teeth

Check to see if your child is experiencing pain or sensitivity in the tooth. If they are, call your dentist and seek treatment immediately. If your child is experiencing discomfort, the tooth's nerve may be injured. Your dentist may perform a root canal to save the tooth; a porcelain veneer or sculpted resin may applied to restore the tooth.


If your child is not experiencing any pain or sensitivity, contact your dentist to see if your child should be seen right away or whether a scheduled appointment can be arranged. Usually chipped teeth aren’t considered emergencies and do not require immediate treatment.


Prevention

Mouthguards. If your children are in contact sports (ie. hockey, football, soccer, etc.), have your dentist make them a mouthguard. They act as shock absorbers for the teeth and help too avoid fractures.


Water Fountains - Kids have a surprising tendency to bump into each other while drinking from water fountains. Tell your kids to watch out -  I see this at least one or two times a year.



We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental  website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist. 

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Location: Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA

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