13 Jun Top 5 Tips to Deal with your Child’s Knocked out Tooth
At Preston Supreme Dental we refer to a knocked out teeth 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 treatment by Preston Supreme Dental, your local dentist specialising in emergency dentistry, can restore the tooth.
An avulsed tooth requires a swift and decisive response. In many cases, it can still be reimplanted if it receives proper care and a speedy trip to your Preston Supreme Dental dentist.
What you need to know to increase the chances of successful reimplantation for your child’s teeth is the series of steps that we share below.
The Difference between Temporary and Permanent teeth
Primary teeth: If the knocked out tooth is a primary (“baby”) tooth, it should not be reimplanted because of potential damage to the developing permanent tooth beneath it.
Permanent teeth: If your child loses a permanent tooth, the most important thing is to act quickly.
Have the phone number of Preston Supreme Dental on your phone and call us immediately for an emergency appointment.
If you take good care and get to our office quickly, there is a good chance you can save the tooth.
What you can do
The most important thing to do when a child’s tooth is knocked out is to get to Preston Supreme Dental as quickly as you can!
Here are some tips on how to save a knocked out tooth:
- Handle the tooth carefully and 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, rinse with water. Do NOT wipe the tooth with any fabric.
- 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. A very young child may not be able to keep the tooth in his or her mouth without swallowing it. Should this be the case, the child should spit into a container and the tooth in the container with the saliva. If there are no other options, transport the tooth in a container filled with 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 Preston Supreme Dental dentist as soon as you can.
- Be sure that you have your Preston Supreme Dental contact information on you at all times, preferably already in your phone. The sooner you reach us and get to our offices, the better the chances the tooth can be saved.
While accidents and emergencies happen to everybody, there are a few things you can do to safeguard your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard 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 mouthguard when playing sports
- Brush and floss regularly
- See your dentist at least twice a year
What can Preston Supreme Dental 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 reimplanted tooth to the teeth on either side of it.
This splint will hold the reimplanted 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 painkillers are often recommended for pain, and you may receive a prescription for antibiotics to control 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 Preston Supreme Dental
The Preston Supreme Dental Team
Preston Supreme Dental is located on Murray Road, between St Georges Rd and High St, with public transportation conveniently nearby!
Our dentists are well-trained and experienced. We enjoy interacting with patients, learning their needs and desires, and delivering the best possible care, quickly, painlessly, and efficiently.
Preston dentist is also serving local communities in Coburg, Northcote, Thornbury, Bundoora and Reservoir.
We are conveniently situated on Murray Road, between St Georges Rd and High St, with public transportation nearby!
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 243 Murray Road in Preston.