Top 5 Tips to Deal with Your Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth

At Supreme Dental Preston, we refer to a knocked-out tooth by its scientific name, an “avulsed” tooth. An avulsed tooth is one of the most severe dental emergencies for both temporary and permanent teeth.

For permanent teeth, the threat is undeniable – loss of the tooth.  But avulsion of temporary teeth is also a threat, as loss of a temporary tooth can affect the permanent teeth growing below. And children, because they are very active and not always safe, are prone to the kind of accidents that cause avulsion.

The good news is that in many cases, swift, appropriate treatment can improve the chances of saving the tooth.

An avulsed tooth requires a swift and decisive response. In many cases, it can still be re-implanted if it receives proper care and a speedy trip to your Supreme Dental Preston dentist.

To increase the chances of successful re-implantation for your child’s teeth, it is essential to follow the series of steps outlined below.

The Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Teeth

Primary teeth: If the knocked-out tooth is a primary (baby) tooth, it is generally not re-implanted to avoid affecting the developing permanent tooth beneath it.

Permanent teeth: If your child loses a permanent tooth, the most important thing is to act quickly.

Keep the phone number of Supreme Dental Preston handy and contact us as soon as possible for an emergency appointment.
If the tooth is handled correctly and you arrive promptly, the chances of a successful outcome are generally higher.

What You Can Do

The most important thing to do when a child’s tooth is knocked out is to get to Supreme Dental Preston as quickly as you can!

Here are some tips on how to save a knocked-out tooth:

• Handle the tooth carefully by the crown. Do not touch the root as it is easily damaged.
• If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the crown and rinse with milk. If milk is unavailable, use clean water, but do not scrub or wipe the tooth.
• Keep the tooth wet. Carry it in a glass of milk. If milk is not available, hold the tooth in the mouth, tucked between the cheek and gum. Only do this if the child is old enough not to swallow it. If needed, the tooth can be kept in the child’s saliva in a container. If there are no other options, transport the tooth in water.
• Try to slip the tooth back into the socket. Make sure the tooth is oriented in the right direction and don’t try to force it into the socket. If the tooth doesn’t go back into place smoothly, keep it moist (in milk, saliva or water) and get to your Supreme Dental Preston dentist as soon as you can.
• Keeping our contact details saved in your phone can help you respond quickly in an emergency.

While accidents and emergencies happen to everybody, there are a few things you can do to safeguard your teeth.

• Wear a mouth guard if playing sports or participating in contact athletics.
• Avoid hard or sticky food or food that may contain surprises, for example, ice, popcorn and nuts.
• Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.
• Brush and floss regularly.
• See your dentist at least twice a year.

What Supreme Dental Preston Can Do

Normally, a dentist’s first step will be to use water to flush remaining debris out of the socket and then try to slip the avulsed tooth back into the clean socket. Your dentist will splint the re-implanted tooth to the teeth on either side of it.

This splint will hold the re-implanted tooth in place for a few days. A root canal may be performed at the time or at a later date. The root usually attaches to the bone in less than a month, but severe damage may require more time.

After Care

Over-the-counter pain relief may be recommended, and medication may be prescribed if needed to reduce the risk of infection.

Don’t spit, rinse your mouth, or smoke for the first day after surgery, and eat a soft diet for the next few days.

More about Emergency Treatment at Supreme Dental Preston

The Supreme Dental Preston Team

Supreme Dental Preston is located on Murray Road, between St George’s Rd and High St, with public transportation conveniently nearby!

Our dentists are trained and experienced in providing a wide range of dental care. We aim to understand each patient’s needs and provide treatment in a professional, supportive and comfortable environment.

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We also support patients from nearby communities, including Coburg, Northcote, Thornbury, Bundoora and Reservoir. Our practice is located on Murray Road, between St Georges Road and High Street, with convenient access to public transport.

Child Dental Benefit Schedule

We accept Medicare Bulk Bill for eligible children.

Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available!

Call us on (03) 9478 7708 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 455 High St, Preston VIC 3072.