Dr. Elaine Martinez Pediatric Dentistry

Trauma to Permanent Teeth

We know it, we can feel it, Spring is in the air! As the weather gets warmer we feel the need to be outdoors. We start outdoor activities like: bike riding, swimming, skateboarding and rollerblading. During the spring and summer we see an increase in the amount of sport related accidents. When children fall they seem to go face first. Maxillary anterior teeth are the most frequently injured, especially when the child has protruding incisors.

Chipped teeth account for the majority of all dental traumas. The remaining represents more serious problems, including dislodged and knocked –out teeth. Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of the injury. When any dental injury occurs, the most important thing is to see your dentist immediately. The outcome, or prognosis, for your child’s specific injury often depends on how quickly your child sees the dentist.

Most chipped teeth can be repaired with a simple filling, when fracture of the crown involves the dentin or the nerve, other precautions must be taken. When a tooth is pushed into the gum, pushed back or forward from its socket it is called: tooth displacement. This can be one of the more serious injuries; your dentist may reposition and stabilize the tooth. You should continue to have the tooth monitored periodically by the dentist to assure proper healing.

If the tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth, time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown. If the tooth has visible debris rinse under water, do not scrub. If possible put the tooth back into the socket and go to the dentist. If you cannot place the tooth back into the socket put the tooth in a glass of milk. The dentist may reimplant the tooth and stabilize with a splint. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury, and a medication is placed inside the tooth. A permanent root canal filling may be needed at a later date. Special precautions must be taken, and multiple follow up visits may be needed. You should contact your child’s physician to see if a tetanus booster is indicated.

Things to keep in mind when trauma occurs:

  • The first 60 minutes after an accident are critical to treatment of dental trauma.
  • If the permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse under water, do not scrub.
  • Replace the tooth in the socket if possible or place it in a glass of milk.
  • Contact your child’s dentist immediately.
  • If you suspect head injury take the child to the emergency room.
  • Always wear a mouth guard when your child is in activity with risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. Be safe!

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