Oral Trauma

PRIMARY (BABY) TEETH

FRACTURED/CRACKED

Some fractures of primary teeth are small and can be monitored.

Some may be larger, the nerve may be exposed, or the tooth may be broken below the gum line including part of the root.

A fractured tooth may be sensitive, and should be protected by a restoration or crown, or may need to be extracted. Extraction may be the best option if the tooth is unrestorable due to the extent of the fracture, because leaving the fractured tooth in the mouth may pose an aspiration risk for your child, or risk of damage to the permanent tooth developing underneath.

Call immediately for an evaluation with the dentist to determine the severity of the fracture and the best treatment option for your child.

DISPLACED/DISLODGED

If the tooth is displaced to the side, pushed back or pushed up, the tooth should not be re-positioned. Trying to move a baby tooth may damage the developing permanent tooth. Baby teeth will often migrate back into their original position without intervention. A bumped tooth may be slightly wiggly, and will likely tighten up with time. A soft diet is recommended for 1-2 weeks. Call the dentist for specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

KNOCKED OUT/AVULSED

If the tooth has fallen out completely, do not re-implant the tooth. The baby tooth has been severed from the nerve and blood supply that keeps it alive, and if it placed back into the socket, it will cause damage the developing permanent tooth. Call the dentist for specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

PERMANENT TEETH

FRACTURED/CRACKED

A fractured tooth may be sensitive, and should be protected by a restoration until it can be fully restored. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the tooth may not be able to be restored to its final shape immediately, and can be covered with a temporary restoration. A soft diet should be followed for 1-2 weeks.

DISPLACED/DISLODGED

Call the dentist immediately if a tooth appears to be pushed out of the socket, to the side, up, back or down.

KNOCKED OUT/AVULSED

Call the dentist immediately. Place the tooth in Tooth-Saver (Hanks Balanced Salt Solution) if available, otherwise place in sterile saline, or room-temperature milk. The tooth should be re-implanted within 60 minutes and splinted by your dentist.