As all parents know, children sometimes become carried away when playing. Balls, swings, and even pets can cause accidents. In these situations, injuries can occur, including lost teeth. Parents may feel extremely concerned when their child loses a tooth in this situation.
If your child loses a baby tooth during play, your dentist cannot replant it in the mouth because it would damage the permanent tooth growing underneath. However, if an older child loses a permanent tooth, quick action is necessary to save it.
This blog provides step-by-step directions on what to do if your child loses a tooth during play.
Find the Tooth
If your child loses a permanent tooth, you must find it as soon as possible because there is a good chance the dentist can replace it.
Preserve the Tooth
The lost tooth needs special handling. Hold the permanent tooth by the crown and gently rinse it in lukewarm water. Do not touch the roots. If you can, place the tooth back in the socket. Have the child bite on a roll of clean gauze to encourage the tooth to stay put. Place the tooth in a small cup of milk or saliva to help keep it in good shape until the dentist can see you.
Call the Dentist
Whether your child lost a baby or a permanent tooth, call their dentist for an emergency appointment.
Though a dentist can't replant a baby tooth, they will want to check the surrounding and underlying permanent teeth for signs of damage.
Travel to the Dentist As Soon as Possible
If your child's dentist sees them within half an hour to an hour, they will have the highest chance of replacing a lost permanent tooth.
Replanting a Permanent Tooth
The dentist will check the tooth and gums for signs of damage. If the tooth is in good condition, the dentist will clean it and place it back in the socket, carefully splinting it to its neighbors. Within a few months, your child's tooth may return to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
When will my child naturally lose their baby teeth?
Baby teeth may begin to fall out starting at the age of five or six. The last baby teeth tend to fall out between the ages of ten and twelve, making way for the adult molars. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, your dentist may use a space maintainer appliance to preserve tooth alignment.
What happens if my child breaks a tooth?
Children can receive restorative dental treatments like crowns and bonding. If a tooth will soon fall out, the dentist may soften any sharp edges and leave them alone.
Call Pediatric Dental Associates of Clinton
If your child loses a permanent tooth due to an accidental injury, don't panic. Your pediatric dentist may be able to replant it and restore your child's healthy smile. Please call our Annandale, NJ, office at 908-735-6300 to be seen as promptly as possible.