A child knocking out a tooth can be stressful and alarming for any parent. At Sierk Children's Dentistry, your trusted children's emergency dentist in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch, we understand the urgency and concern involved in such incidents. Here's a guide on what steps to take if your child experiences this common dental emergency.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step is to remain calm. Quickly assess whether any other injuries need immediate attention. If the knocked-out tooth is the primary issue, you can proceed with the following steps.
Locate and Preserve the Tooth
Try to find the tooth immediately. Handle it by the crown (the part that's normally visible in the mouth), not the root. If the tooth is dirty, carefully rinse it and place it in a container of milk.
Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
- For permanent teeth: If your child is calm and old enough to follow instructions, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth.
- For baby teeth: Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Keep the Tooth Moist
If reinserting the tooth isn't possible, it's crucial to keep it moist. If available, place it in a container with milk, saline solution, or a tooth preservation product.
Seek Immediate Dental Care
Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth. Contact our pediatric emergency dentist, Dr. Sierk, as soon as possible. Sierk Children's Dentistry offers emergency dental services and can provide the necessary care to handle such situations.
How to Prevent Future Dental Emergencies
After addressing the immediate emergency, you must talk to your child about playing safely and using mouthguards during sports. Regular visits to Sierk Children's Dentistry for checkups and education can also help prevent such accidents and maintain overall oral health.
Contact Our Pediatric Dentist for Dental Emergencies in Highlands Ranch
In case of a dental emergency, Sierk Children's Dentistry, your children's emergency dentist in Castle Pines, is here to provide immediate and compassionate care. We understand the unique needs of children and are equipped to handle various pediatric dental emergencies. Contact us today for our help!