Tooth Trauma
Injury Definition
- Loosened tooth – if mild, usually tightens up on its own (may bleed a little from the gums).
- Displaced tooth (usually pushed inward)
- Chipped or fractured tooth
- To prevent permanent pulpal damage, fractures into the pulp need to be treated within 24 hours.
- Avulsed (knocked out) tooth is a dental emergency for permanent teeth
Call Your Dentist Now (night or day) If
- You think your child has a serious injury
- Permanent tooth knocked out (Reason: needs reimplantation ASAP; 2 hours is the deadline for survival. First Aid Advice: Transport the tooth in some saliva or milk. If over 30 minutes away, try to replace the tooth in the socket before coming in.
- Permanent tooth is almost falling out
- Baby tooth is almost falling out
- Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
- Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position
- Tooth that’s pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite
- Severe pain
- Age < 1 year old
Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Baby tooth knocked out by trauma (Reason: can’t be reimplanted but dentist will check damage to permanent tooth)
- Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position
- Can see a chip or fracture line in the tooth
- Tooth sensitive to cold fluids
- Tooth feels very loose when you try to move it
Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
Parent Care at Home If
- Mild tooth injury and you don’t think your child needs to be seen
Home Care Advice for Mild Dental Injuries
- Local Cold: For pain, apply a piece of ice or a Popsicle to the injured gum area for 20 minutes.
- Pain Medicine: If it still hurts, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Soft Diet: For any loose teeth, offer a soft diet for 3 days. By then, it should be tightened up.
- Call Your Dentist If
- Pain become severe
- Tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold fluids
- Tooth becomes a darker color
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Dentist Now” symptoms