What if My Child's Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

Posted on 9/16/2024 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Dentist examining a young patient's teeth.

As a parent, one of your biggest fears might be your child experiencing a dental injury, especially a knocked-out tooth. This can be a frightening and confusing experience, but with prompt action and the right information, you can increase the chances of saving the tooth and minimizing long-term complications.

What to do if your child's tooth gets knocked out:

1.	Stay Calm: Although the situation might seem overwhelming, staying calm is crucial. This will help you think clearly and act effectively.
2.	Find the Tooth: Locate the knocked-out tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part) –
3.	avoid touching the root.
4.	Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water or milk. Do not scrub or use harsh chemicals.
5.	Keep it Moist: Ideally, the tooth should be placed back in its socket immediately. If this isn't possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Do not wrap it in tissue or paper towels.
6.	Seek Immediate Dental Care: Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Contact your pediatric dentist or emergency dental clinic as soon as possible.

What to expect at the dentist's office:

•	Apply a cold compress: If your child's face is swollen or bruised, applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
•	Do not force the tooth: Avoid forcing the tooth back into the socket, as this could cause further damage.
•	Reassure your child: Talk to your child in a calm and reassuring voice. Explain what is happening and that you are taking care of them.

The dentist will examine the knocked-out tooth and assess the damage. Depending on the tooth's condition and how quickly you were able to get treatment, there are several possible treatment options:

•	Reimplantation: If the tooth is still viable, the dentist may try to reimplant it back into the socket.
•	Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth's pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is damaged, a root canal may be necessary.
•	Restoration Dentistry: Depending on the severity of the damage, the dentist may recommend restorative treatments like crowns or fillings to rebuild the tooth.

While accidents happen, practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups can help prevent many dental injuries. Teach your child proper brushing and flossing techniques, and encourage them to wear a mouthguard during sports activities. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor your child's oral health and identify any potential problems early on.

Restoring Your Child's Smile:

A knocked-out tooth can be a traumatic experience, but with prompt action and proper care, the chances of saving the tooth and restoring your child's healthy smile are high. Remember to stay calm, act quickly, and seek professional dental care as soon as possible. By working with your pediatric dentist, you can help your child overcome this challenge and maintain their oral health for years to come.

This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.

Our community of dentistry superheroes prioritizes smiles above all else—theirs AND yours. That’s why we make it easy to find the location that’s right for you. Learn what to expect for your first visit, virtually tour the space, meet the dentists, and discover location-specific specialties and resources below.

A BETTER DENTAL EXPERIENCE

NC’s Premier network of pediatric dental practices is committed to delivering a full suite of trusted, comfortable, and informative oral care services. With kid-centric spaces and experiences, we teach kids how to care for their smiles.

About NC Pediatric Dentistry - Expert Kids' Dental Care
NC Pediatric Dentistry offers kid-friendly dental care across NC. We provide fun, safe, and educational experiences for children. Learn more today!
NC Pediatric Dentistry, 202 Williamson Rd. Suite 200, Mooresville, NC 28117 \ tbd \ ncpediatricdentistry.com \ 12/17/2024 \ Key Phrases: pediatric dentist \

What if My Child's Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

What to do if your child's tooth gets knocked out:

What to expect at the dentist's office:

Restoring Your Child's Smile:

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.

Advance Pediatric Dentistry

Afton Pediatric Dentistry

Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry

Denver Pediatric Dentistry

Dunn Pediatric Dentistry

Fuquay Pediatric Dentistry

Hickory Grove Pediatric Dentistry

Huntersville Pediatric Dentistry

Locust Pediatric Dentistry

Mebane Pediatric Dentistry

Mint Hill Pediatric Dentistry

Mooresville Pediatric Dentistry

Salisbury Pediatric Dentistry

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry

Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentistry

Statesville Pediatric Dentistry

A BETTER DENTAL EXPERIENCE