Q: What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact Dr. Robbins as soon as possible. She will give you instructions and see you child for treatment. Baby teeth are not reimplanted, but sometimes the baby tooth gets intruded (pushed back up into its socket). X-rays will determine this. A follow-up regimen will be established to monitor its re-erruption.

Q: What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not hold the tooth by its root, only its crown. There are important fibers on it and they can be damaged. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Call our office for a emergency appointment and if it’s after hours we will give you specific instructions on where to go for treatment. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call our office and make an appointment promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Information taken from the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org)