Understanding The Difference Between A Tooth Avulsion Emergency And Non-Emergency

Family dentists can provide children with all of the oral care they need when it comes to both general care and emergency care. Emergencies may be a bit hard to determine when it comes to a child's oral health. You may also be wondering if a dislodged or avulsed tooth is considered an emergency. This really depends, so keep reading to learn about when it and is not an emergency situation.

Tooth Avulsion Non-Emergency

If your child hits his or her mouth and one of the teeth has dislodged, then this is not an emergency situation if the tooth is a baby tooth. This is especially true if you do not see a root on the tooth, as this means that it was probably going to loosen and dislodge from the mouth sooner than later. If it does so a bit early, then you can contact your family dentist for a general appointment.

While the early tooth avulsion is not something that needs to be treated, your child's dentist may decide to place a space-saving device in the mouth. This helps to keep the space open so that the adult tooth can emerge when it is ready. Otherwise, the teeth may shift and fill in the gap, which can lead to crooked teeth and a poor bite.

In addition to the space saver, your dentist may want to complete an x-ray to make sure that the jaw has not been injured in the process of avulsion. Fractures are common with falls and should be identified. While this is true, conservative treatment is often used when a fracture is noted.

Tooth Avulsion Emergency

If your child knocks out a baby tooth and you see a great deal of bleeding that will not stop after a few minutes, then this is a sign that you need to see a family dentist as soon as possible. This indicates that there is some trauma that may need to be attended to. For example, the gum tissues may need to be stitched up and a compress must be secured on the area to help slow the flow of blood.

Also, if a permanent tooth is knocked loose, then a dental professional may be able to replace it as long as your child is seen quick enough. You want to keep the tooth moist and clean with water or milk. Wrapping the tooth gently in a paper towel that is dampened with either of these fluids is a good choice.

For more information, reach out to your local family dentistry.


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