When a tooth is knocked-out completely, action needs to be taken to protect your child’s smile! Fortunately, our team provides emergency dental care, even outside of normal business hours. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about emergency treatment for a knocked-out tooth.

The Immediate Response

When a tooth is knocked out, don’t panic! Instead, recover the tooth quickly. Pick it up by the crown, or the visible portion, never touch the root. Use gently running water to remove dirt and foreign debris, but take care to keep any tissues in place. Now, the tooth could be placed back into the socket and your child could then down to keep it in place until you arrive at the office, or until you can locate a sealed container of milk or salt water to place it in. Be sure you bring it with you to our office! A clean cloth or gauze could stem bleeding, and a cold compress or ice pack against the side of the face could reduce swelling. Your little one can also take an age-appropriate pain reliever to ease discomfort.

Seeing the Dentist

Give us a call right away, even outside of normal business hours. We will call you back to arrange a time to bring your child in quickly. So, the tooth we can be restored once again. If a tooth is damaged, try to bring any pieces you can, but if this is impossible, we can also repair minor damage with dental bonding or the placement of a crown. We don’t want your child to suffer from gaps in the smile or from damage that could experience the smile to tooth decay or infection, so always let us know when a dental emergency occurs. To help your little one feel comfortable, he or she could bring a stuffed animal, toy, pillow, or blanket with them. We also know how to help kids feel welcome!

Protecting Little Smiles

What can be done to limit the risk of injury or knocked out teeth? Be sure your child wears a mouthguard if he or she plays full contact sports or martial arts. This limits the impact of an injury, so teeth can remain undamaged and in place. Good oral hygiene is beneficial too, as this keeps the enamel strong and leaves the smile less vulnerable to injuries. If you have any question, then give us a call today.

Talk To Your Round Rock, TX Dentist About Emergency Dental Care

When your children sustain injuries, we want to see them for treatment. If you would like to learn more about our emergency dental treatments, or book an appointment, contact your Round Rock, TX, dentist, Dr. Thames, by calling 512-733-5311.