What Should I do if my Child Falls and Knocks out a Permanent Tooth?

Most kids take part in sports or rough games with each other which sometimes can result in a tooth or multiple teeth getting knocked out. Whether your child loses a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, it can still be scary for both the parents and the child. If your child loses a tooth, make sure to see your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Your children’s dentist will either be able to reattach the tooth or go through a cosmetic procedure to make sure your child’s smile has no gaps.

What to do if a Tooth Gets Knocked out

The first thing you should do after realizing that your child’s tooth got knocked out is to reinsert the tooth if you can. If your child has a lot of bleeding you should put a sterile gauze over the cut to stop the bleeding. You should try and avoid touching the tooth root if you can.

If the tooth is dirty you should rinse it in milk, make sure to do this over a bowl to be sure that the tooth isn’t lost. Make sure not to scrub the tooth, gently pour the milk over it. Then put the tooth back in the socket, if that’s not possible then you should put the tooth into a small cup of milk, saltwater or saliva. Make sure not to wrap the tooth in a napkin because that will reduce the chance that your pediatric dentist will be able to put it back in.

Make sure you take your child into their pediatric dentist right away, this will help with the chances of being able to put the tooth back in place. Your children’s dentist will also be able to take x-rays and make sure that there is no other damage or injuries.

Reattaching the Permanent Tooth

Knocked out permanent teeth can reattach if they are held in place for several weeks, most times your pediatric dentist will use a splint to help the tooth reattached. A splint is a thin either metal or plastic wire that helps it attach with the other teeth. After a while, the ligaments that attach the bone to the tooth will regrow. Your child will see their dentist to make sure that the ligament is growing and when it’s safe to remove the splint.

The best thing you can do to help your child’s tooth be able to get reattached is not to panic and bring them to see their pediatric dentist as soon as possible. If you have questions about your child and their overall oral health or questions on how the best way to be prepared to save a tooth, call us at (781) 853 – 0111 or ask your dentist at your child’s next dental visits at All Pro Dental in Revere, MA. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.