5 Uncommon Children’s Dental Emergencies and What to Do
As parents, we often worry about our children’s health and safety, but dental emergencies can sometimes be overlooked until the moment they occur. Being prepared for these uncommon pediatric dental emergencies can make all the difference in ensuring your child’s dental health. Here are five less talked about emergencies and the immediate actions you should take.
Tooth Intrusion
Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is forcefully pushed into the jawbone due to an impact. Unlike adult teeth, a child’s permanent teeth are more resilient and can potentially re-erupt with minimal intervention. However, if this happens to a baby tooth, it can damage the permanent tooth underneath.
What To Do:
If your child experiences tooth intrusion, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. The dentist may take X-rays to assess the situation and recommend the best treatment, which could include monitoring the tooth, allowing it to descend naturally, or performing root canal therapy.
Dental Concussion
A dental concussion might not lead to a visible displacement or chipping but can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity. This injury happens when a tooth receives a heavy knock that doesn’t dislodge it but still causes damage to the surrounding tissue.
What To Do:
Observe the affected tooth for any color, sensitivity, or pain changes. Consult a pediatric dentist for an evaluation, and follow up regularly to monitor the tooth’s health.
Tooth Luxation
Tooth luxation refers to a tooth that has been dislodged and is either loose, moved forward or backward, or sideways. This injury is more severe and requires immediate attention.
What To Do:
Seek immediate dental care. A pediatric dentist will likely reposition the tooth and may use a splint to stabilize it as it heals.
Root Fractures
Root fractures are often undetectable without an X-ray since the fracture occurs below the gum line. Such injuries can result from a strong blow to the mouth and may not show immediate symptoms.
What To Do:
Consult a children’s dentist as soon as possible. The treatment will be dependent on the location and severity of the fracture. It may involve splinting the tooth or, in severe cases, extraction.
Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
While a knocked-out permanent tooth is a well-known emergency, it’s uncommon with primary (baby) teeth. However, it’s still possible, and the steps differ for handling baby versus permanent teeth.
What To Do:
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, attempt to reinsert the tooth into the socket without making contact with the root and seek immediate dental treatment. Avoid trying to put back a baby tooth since it may harm the emerging permanent tooth. Instead, store the tooth in milk and contact your pediatric dentist right away.
In conclusion, while not all dental injuries are preventable, being informed about what to do in the event of these uncommon pediatric dental emergencies can help protect your child’s oral health. Remember, prompt action and contacting the nearest medical professionals and pediatric dentist are crucial steps in managing these situations effectively.
For more information on kids’ emergency dental treatments and kids’ dental care, or to find a children’s dentist near you, contact Simcoe Kids Dental today. Your child’s smile is precious, and knowing how to handle dental mishaps is part of keeping that smile healthy.
