Ruling Out More Serious Injuries

When a child has a dental trauma, first and foremost their overall safety is top priority. If the patient experiences dizziness, nausea, and/or loss of consciousness, or the patient has any possible broken bones or open wounds, proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately.

After Hours

Our doctors may be contacted after hours for any patients of record experiencing a true dental emergency, such as a knocked out or fractured permanent tooth.  Please call our office telephone number and follow the directions on the recording. 

General Care After Dental Trauma

Gently brush and floss all teeth, being extra gentle around the traumatized tooth.  You may choose to clean the affected area with a damp washcloth wrapped around your finger, if a toothbrush is applying too much pressure.

For pain relief, you may alternate an over the counter dose of acetaminophen and ibuprofen, every 3 hours as needed.  

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas, if tolerated. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, please call our office.

Offer your child a soft diet, as needed. (Ice cream, popsicles, mashed potatoes, soft noodles, smoothies, pudding, jello, etc.)  Keeping young children hydrated is very important, so offer fluids frequently if the child is not tolerating food. 

Broken or Knocked Out Teeth

Broken Baby Tooth

For a broken baby tooth, alternate an over the counter dose of acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 3 hours for pain. Stick to a soft, room temperature diet. Extreme hot or cold can make the tooth more sensitive. Most treatment for broken baby teeth can be accomplished during normal business hours, without altering the overall prognosis of the teeth.

Broken Permanent Tooth

For a broken permanent tooth, contact your dentist immediately. Traumatized permanent teeth may require time dependent treatment. Only your dentist can make that determination and provide you with further instruction. If any tooth fragments are recovered, please store and transport them in cold milk, so your dentist may determine if they may be used to restore the broken tooth.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth

For a knocked-out baby tooth, recover the tooth if possible. This will help the dentist to determine if there are any remaining pieces in the mouth. It is never recommended to reimplant a baby tooth, as the risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth is too great. Have your child bite down tightly on a washcloth or damp paper towel to help stop the bleeding. 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth 

Examine the tooth for any large debris or dirt, only rinsing if needed.  Re-implant the tooth in the socket and have the child hold the tooth in place by biting down on a washcloth or damp paper towel. If you are unable to do so, then keep the tooth in cold milk while transporting the patient to the dental office.  Do not place the tooth in water or any other beverage, as cells may be damaged and this may diminish the chance for tooth survival. If the tooth is dry for too long, or not reimplanted within an hour of the accident, the prognosis becomes very poor for saving the tooth.