A dental emergency can happen in the blink of an eye, especially when it involves a broken or knocked-out tooth. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling these situations and giving your child the best chance for recovery.
Dealing With a Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
First things first, stay calm. If your child has chipped or broken a tooth, try to find the fractured piece. In some cases, we may be able to reattach it. Carefully rinse any debris from both the injured area and the tooth fragment, and store the piece in a clean container. Next, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We’ll assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment to save or restore the tooth.
Handling a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. The quicker you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth. Follow these steps:
Locate the Tooth: Pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root, as this can damage the cells necessary for reattachment.
Check the Tooth: Make sure it’s a permanent tooth, not a baby tooth. If it’s a baby tooth, don’t try to reinsert it; instead, let us assess the situation.
Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly (no more than 10 seconds) in milk, saline solution, or cold water. Avoid scrubbing or using soap.
Reimplant the Tooth: If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket. Use the surrounding teeth as a guide to line it up. Have your child gently bite down on a clean towel or gauze to hold it in place.
Transport the Tooth: If you can’t reimplant the tooth, store it in milk or your child’s cheek (as long as they’re old enough to avoid swallowing it). Never store the tooth in plain water, as this can harm the root cells.
Call Us Immediately: Contact our office right away, and let us know you’re on your way. The sooner we can see your child, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
What to Do if a Primary Tooth is Intruded
An intruded tooth is a different kind of dental emergency where the tooth gets pushed up into the gum or jawbone, often due to trauma. This is more common with baby teeth.
Don’t Attempt to Reposition It: If a baby tooth is intruded, do not try to pull or push it back into place. Attempting to move the tooth yourself could cause further damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Keep the Area Clean: Gently rinse your child’s mouth with water, but avoid applying excessive pressure. Keeping the area clean is important to avoid infection.
Visit Us ASAP: An intruded primary tooth can interfere with the positioning of the permanent tooth underneath, so it’s crucial to have your child examined quickly. We will determine if the tooth will need to be monitored, repositioned, or removed.
Stay Prepared for Dental Emergencies with Storybook Smiles
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but having a plan in place helps. Keep our number handy and remember these steps if your child experiences a broken or knocked-out tooth. Quick action, combined with professional care, is key to preserving that smile!
At Storybook Smiles in Tyler, TX, Dr. Dylan Patrick and our team are here to help with any dental emergency. Whether it’s a broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, or an intruded primary tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re ready to provide the care your child needs to get back to their day with a happy, healthy smile.
