As your child is playing a sport or even rough-housing with a friend, he or she may partially dislodge a tooth. A partially dislodged tooth occurs when a tooth is moved by trauma but not completely knocked out. This type of condition is relatively common, and if your child receives prompt dental care, the tooth may be adjusted and repaired. However, there are steps that you can take help save your child's tooth. Here are a few:
Contact the pediatric dentist immediately.
A partially dislodged tooth is considered a dental emergency, and your child should be promptly taken to a dentist like Mark Stapleton DMD MSD PC. If you delay treatment, the tooth could be lost.
Give your child pain medication:
The trauma that caused your child's loosened tooth may also result in pain. If your child is complaining of discomfort, give him or her a dose of pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to dose the child properly according to his or her age and weight. Although you may be tempted to use a regular teaspoon to administer the medication, use a dropper or syringe to ensure that the dose is precise.
In addition, be sure to use liquid medication. It may be difficult for your child to consume a tablet or chewable due to the loosened tooth. Record the time and amount of medication given so that the information can be shared with the pediatric dentist once you arrive at the office.
Use an ice pack.
If your child's face or cheek has started to swell, gently apply an ice pack or cold compress.
Don't move the tooth.
If the root of the tooth is no longer attached to the jawbone, the tooth may move about loosely. Although it may be tempting, don't move the tooth about or pull it from your child's mouth. The remaining attachments of your child's tooth to his or her gums may be keeping the tooth viable.
Even if the tooth is a primary tooth, you will want to leave it place. Primary teeth are space-keepers for your child's adult teeth, and early tooth loss could result in dental misalignment later on.
If the partial dislodgement has resulted in your child's tooth being driven more deeply into the socket, don't try to adjust the tooth on your own. Once your child's dentist has assessed the tooth, he or she may be able to properly place it without completely removing it.
If your child has a partially dislodged tooth, he or she may be confused and in pain. Try to relieve the discomfort as much as possible but seek professional treatment quickly. Contact your child's dentist for emergency dental care.
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