SUMMER: Sports, Pool, and FUN = Knocked Out (Avulsed) Teeth
SUMMERTIME!
Fourth of July is around the corner and kiddos are running around and having FUN! In the Midwest heat, a lot of fun involves water, and therefore, slippery surfaces. Roughhousing, baseball, and being a child, all cause collisions. Teeth inevitably get knocked out or damaged.
Dentists see many trauma-related tooth injuries this time of year; especially in kids! When a tooth is knocked-out, this is medically called an “avulsed” tooth. A chipped tooth (photo below) is something totally different than a tooth that is knocked out; an avulsed tooth is completely out with its entire root intact.
“OMG, a kid just knocked out a tooth.”
REDUCING THE TIME OF THE TOOTH OUTSIDE OF THE MOUTH is THE #1 KEY to SUCCESS!
If your kiddo is under Age 6, likely, an avulsed tooth is a primary/baby tooth and should not be re-implanted. However, any mouth trauma, even in a kid without permanent teeth, should be evaluated to monitor their permanent tooth transition. ONLY permanent teeth should be repositioned.
TEETH 101: HELP! A Tooth Is OUT!
ARE YOU A PARENT / COACH / LIFEGUARD? So…you’re around kids…
If you encounter an avulsed (knocked-out, with the root) permanent front tooth;
follow these simple steps for the best outcome for this kiddo’s smile and CALL a dentist:
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Keep the “patient” calm. It will probably be bleeding, and the kid likely be losing his/her mind. You should be calm. You CAN handle this.
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Find the tooth and pick it up by the enamel/crown (the part of the tooth that shows in the smile) NOT YELLOW LONG PART; which is the conical “root” of the tooth. (see photo directly below right – where the gloved blue hand is touching the tooth)
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If the tooth ROOT is dirty, either, place the tooth in the “patient’s” mouth; they can spit out any blood and dirt while keeping the tooth in the mouth, if it’s not a choking hazard, OR wash it BRIEFLY (less than 10 seconds) under cold running water. You should be mentally ready to re-position the tooth in the socket IMMEDIATELY, as close to the smile line of the mirror/neighboring teeth as possible. -
REINSERT THE TOOTH. Make sure the correct side of the tooth is facing out. No need to push hard. Likely bloody bubbles will come out as it squishes into place. -
HAVE THE “PATIENT” BITE ON A RAG OR CLOTH. It will be tender and starting to swell. This is may be a painful, but its an EXTREMELY important step!
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IF YOU CAN’T/DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO REINSERT THE TOOTH, place the tooth in one of three places:
- Hank’s Balanced Solution (seen right, available in many First Aid kits)
- In the side of the cheek of the “patient,” sandwiched between their lower teeth and cheek, if it’s not a choking risk.
- In MILK
- DO NOT STORE THE TOOTH IN WATER – a teaspoon of salt in a cup of bottled water in a clean container can work in a pinch.
SEEK EMERGENCY DENTAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY. Time is of the essence.
After dental intervention and implantation – there are many different outcomes; which may include immediate splinting (think: bonded retainer to hold it in place), root canal therapy, or unfortunately, complete loss. Cross your fingers for a complete recovery! Later in tooth-life, the tooth may die, ankylose (get stuck in the bone), change colors, or need a root canal or crown.
There’s a hopeful chance that the tooth will be okay, IF given prompt and proper treatment. Prognosis is always unknown, but following these steps will give the patient/tooth a hopeful outcome!
EXCEPTIONS:
- Of course, if the “patient” experiences bleeding that can’t be controlled after five (5) minutes, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or intense pain; call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room (ER).
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Chipped tooth
If there is only a tooth “crown” broken at the gum-line or the tooth is chipped, and the root is still in the bone; it will not magically glue back together. Call a dentist.
- The maxilla (upper jaw bone) is fractured. Go to the ER immediately.
- The root is in pieces/split in half.
- It’s a primary “baby” tooth: Re-implantation could cause the primary/baby tooth to ankylose, aka, be stuck; and cause many more problems later when the permanent teeth are ready to erupt (think: expensive braces/orthodontic bills!). Consult your General/Pediatric Dentist; but usually these are just lost teeth. Your toddler will have that adorable gap for several years of Holiday Cards!
If you encounter a dental emergency like this, call your regular dentist. If you don’t have a regular dentist, feel free to give us a call at (913) 788-7600.
Kelly McCracken, DDS
If you want to get to know our office, request to schedule an appointment online! Consultations are always complimentary, and as a small business in Kansas City, we appreciate the referrals and strive to deliver our mission of, “QUALITY, HONESTY, and EDUCATION” in a comfortable and fun environment for your family.
We’d love to have you as part of OUR dental family! 8915 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66112. (913) 788-7600
**This post was for educational purposes and tips – not a diagnosis or recommendation(s) for treatment; if you, or someone you care for, has suffered a trauma as described above, seek immediate dental attention; and if your dentist or our office is not available, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care doctor or go to the ER.