Tooth in Trouble! What to Do When Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

Part of being a parent is being an “on the spot” problem-solver. You are constantly figuring out a range of issues regarding your child. One of the most challenging is when they get hurt physically. Scraped elbows with band-aids are one thing…but a knocked-out tooth is another level of stress. Your dentist is here to guide you on the immediate steps to take so your child can return to smiling as soon as possible!

Your First Steps

After comforting your child and ensuring that they do not need emergency services, it’s time to take immediate action regarding the tooth that was knocked out. If you do not have it in your possession, do your best to locate it; there is a good chance the tooth can be reimplanted within 60 minutes of the accident. If it cannot be found, call your dentist for what to do next.

If you do find the pearly white, here are your next steps:

• Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the roots so they will be unharmed for the possibility of reattachment.
• Be sure the tooth is not fractured and is completely intact.
• If the tooth needs to be cleaned, do not wash it under cold water because the root’s surface cells need to stay alive and active. You may briefly clean it in a bowl of lukewarm tap water.
• Attempt to insert the tooth back into the socket (replant). Have your child bite down on a paper towel or gauze to hold the tooth in place until you get to the dentist’s office.
• If their tooth won’t insert into the socket, place it in a small glass of cold milk. Do not use water. If you don’t have milk, you may put it in a small container with some of your child’s saliva.
• Get to their dentist as soon as you are able.

Primary (Baby) Teeth

Primary teeth have shorter roots than permanent teeth, so they are more easily displaced during an injury.  It is unlikely your dentist will consider a replacement option for the lost tooth since that could damage the underlying permanent tooth.

If the baby tooth can’t be inserted back into the socket, your dentist will likely consider a space maintainer. This metal appliance is inserted in the gap to help keep that area open so the permanent tooth underneath it can adequately emerge and spacing doesn’t become an issue.

Permanent Teeth

If a permanent tooth has been cleanly knocked out, there’s a good chance your child’s dentist can reattach it. This process, which uses a thin metal or plastic wire, is usually a simple one.

When the tooth cannot be reattached, a dental bridge may be recommended. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial ones by “bridging the gap” of the open space. There are removable bridges that can be detached and cleaned or fixed bridges that can only be removed by your child’s dentist.

You want to protect your child, but sometimes accidents happen! By remaining calm and using these helpful tips, you and your dentist will patch your child’s smile up in no time.

About the Author

Dr. Xinxing Lui and her team at Ross Avenue Family Dental are here to assist you and your family with any dental emergency. With a 5-star rating on Google, her goal is to give personalized care using advanced technology. Her practice is open on Saturdays and offers same-day appointments so you or your child’s oral health can be back on track as soon as possible. To schedule a visit, contact her through her website or call (469) 210-7223.