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

Parent Care at Home If

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