Ask a Pediatric Dentist – What to do if a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out

Ask a Pediatric Dentist - What to do if a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out from Manvel Pediatric Dentistry in Manvel, TXYour pediatric dentist can help if your child loses a baby tooth at an unexpected time. This type of dental issue is common. Almost anything can knock out a baby tooth. Playing with a ball, falling from a bike, or even running in the yard can cause trauma to the child’s face. If you want to know what to do if your child’s baby tooth gets knocked out, here are the details from a pediatric dentist.

Seeing a pediatric dentist

A knocked-out baby tooth is a common occurrence. Children tend to be adventurous even within the limited space of the home and yard. A fall or a facial encounter with a projectile can chip or dislodge a baby tooth. Many parents call a pediatric dentist when this happens.

The good news about this is the weak hold of baby teeth to the gums. Injury to these teeth will not cause permanent damage at all. A pediatric dentist will explain how temporary baby teeth are. An older child will be close to getting permanent teeth. The dentist will perform less intervention if an older child gets a baby tooth knocked out.

What to do first

Finding the knocked-out tooth is important. This will remove the child’s risk of choking on the tooth. Re-implanting the baby tooth is not advisable. Hanging on to the tooth will allow the dentist to see and check it. A child with facial injuries will need emergency medical care. Placing a gauze on the site while applying pressure will help minimize the bleeding.

Things to expect

The child will need to go through dental X-rays. The pediatric dentist will need to see where the tooth came from. The X-rays will show the presence of any nerve damage. It will also tell the dentist if there is damage to the permanent tooth underneath. The dentist will make sure there will be enough space for the erupting permanent teeth. Efforts to ensure the child’s proper jaw development and speech will be in order.

A dental spacer is important for older children. This will secure enough space for the permanent teeth to fill. Some dentists recommend a pediatric partial to fill the spaces left by knocked-out front teeth. Orthodontic bands attach these partials to the back teeth. The pediatric dentist will remove these partials once the permanent teeth start to erupt. These are cosmetic solutions for kids whose parents want to prevent low self-image in their children.

It is not something to panic about

A child losing a baby tooth can be stressful and alarming to kids and parents. The child’s age will influence the pediatric dentist’s decision about the situation. The type of tooth and the degree of damage can also affect the treatments. Bringing the child to see the dentist right away will help ensure the child’s oral health.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Manvel, TX

Your pediatric dentist can help with proper solutions to a knocked-out baby tooth

Children love to play and explore. While doing so, accidents may cause a baby tooth to fall out. This can be worrisome if you are the parent or guardian. Bringing the child to see your pediatric dentist is the proper way to deal with the situation.

Request an appointment or call Manvel Pediatric Dentistry at 832-645-2848 for an appointment in our Manvel office.

Related Posts

When To Get Dental Injury Treatment For Children

Pediatric dentistry aims to treat and diagnose dental issues in infants, children, and teenagers. As your children's teeth develop, unique problems may occur. Professionals in pediatric dentistry understand the importance of primary teeth and setting up a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Early dental care can help prevent decay later in life. Pediatric dentists…

How To Choose The Best Dentist For Dental Injury Treatment For Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 30% of children experience an oral injury by age 14. These injuries are usually not initially treated in a pediatric dentistry office, as the urgency of such accidents prompts most parents to visit an emergency room or urgent care center. While most injuries to the teeth and mouth…

4 Tips Early Dental Care Can Teach You About Caring For Your Child's Teeth

Educational services are a primary component of early dental care. Education services aim to teach parents and children how to care for baby teeth and periodontal health. The lessons we teach during early dental care often carry into the child’s teenage and adult years, helping them maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. There…