What to do When Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth
By Gary Richardson | Published on January 5, 2011 | 0 Comments
Do you remember the first time your child smiled at you? His first laugh? And how about the first piece of solid food that you gave him, which signified another stage of growing up? Believe it or not, your child’s mouth plays a pivotal role in his development, and it is important to keep that smile intact as he grows up.
While you may be diligent about having your child brush and floss on a daily basis, accidents do happen, and it is not uncommon for a child to take a fall and knock out one of his teeth. What is important, however, is that you take the appropriate steps immediately afterward.
Losing baby teeth and receiving a visit from the elusive Tooth Fairy are all a part of your child’s adolescence, and in many ways, these things are seen as a rite of passage. While naturally losing a tooth on occasion is completely normal, the premature loss of a primary tooth should be addressed quickly by your dentist. If your child loses a tooth that was not previously loose, then Gary Richardson DDS, a children’s emergency dentist in Las Vegas, has some specific recommendations.
Unfortunately, if your child has lost a primary tooth, it cannot be reattached, Dr. Richardson explains. For this reason, at this practice, Dr. Richardson will generally send patients in this situation to a specialist to discuss any further options that might be available. At Adventure Smiles, it is of the utmost importance to the staff for patients to receive the best care possible. Sometimes, Dr. Richardson says, this may require referring a patient to an oral surgeon or orthodontist who will be better suited to assess the situation.
On the other hand, if a permanent tooth has been lost, Dr. Richardson says, then you must first place the tooth in a small cup of saliva or milk and then get to your child’s dentist immediately. In most cases, a permanent tooth can be reattached to the root. However, Dr. Richardson explains, storing the tooth correctly and getting to the dentist quickly are essential steps in saving your child’s tooth. If for any reason your child’s dentist is unable to reattach the natural tooth, he will then be able to go over all of the options available for replacing the missing tooth. Dental technology today is so advanced that with the assistance of an implant and crown, no one will be able to tell that your child has lost a tooth.
Though it can be hard to prepare for random, traumatic accidents, having a strong idea of what you should and would do in this type of dental emergency situation is extremely beneficial to your child’s health. It is also important to establish a bond with a pediatric dentist in your area that you trust to offer assistance in these types of instances. After all, there are many more milestones in your child’s life to look forward to, and you’ll want to ensure that his smile is intact for all of them.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.