A Pediatric Dentist Answers Baby Teeth Injury FAQs

You may hope to avoid seeing a pediatric dentist, but if the need arises, you will be grateful for the treatment. A dentist who focuses on providing this procedure has the knowledge and training to relieve tooth pain from severe decay and infections. These conditions can be present in both primary teeth and permanent teeth. When it comes to baby teeth, injuries can also happen just like they can with permanent ones. It is helpful to know what the pediatric dentist can do in these situations.

What are root canals?

Many people fear these procedures, thinking there will be a lot of pain and discomfort. The truth is that a dentist can handle this treatment and help the patient to remain comfortable. A root canal treatment aims to save a badly damaged tooth from the pediatric dentist having to pull out. The process is moderately invasive.

The dentist first numbs the patient and then drills into the tooth. The pediatric dentist then removes the pulp, which contains nerves, vessels, and tissue. Next, the dentist will clean out any decay and infection. A disinfectant may also be used. The dentist will seal the tooth to prevent further issues. Often, the pediatric dentist will cap the tooth with a dental crown to protect it.

What are fractures?

A fractured tooth is a common injury that a dentist will handle. It is a frequent injury among children during sporting events, regular play, and other activities. A fall to the ground or a blow to the face with a hard object can break a tooth. Also, biting into something hard such as candy or a utensil can also cause a fracture. A root canal is often a necessary part of repairing a broken tooth. The break could expose nerves to bacteria, which would cause intense pain and introduce infections.

What are chipped teeth?

Chipped teeth can come in a variety of sizes, from barely noticeable to embarrassingly obvious. Depending on how large the chip is and where it is located, a dentist may have to do a root canal. This pediatric dentist will examine the patient to see if decay has crept into the tooth as a result of the injury. If a root canal treatment is not necessary, the dentist may place a crown over the tooth if it still has a few years before it should come out.

What is an avulsion?

If a tooth breaks clean from the jaw, it is called an avulsion. This serious injury can be a dental emergency in both primary and permanent teeth. If the baby tooth is a molar, losing it too early could make it difficult for the child to chew effectively. It can also cause pain and make the socket susceptible to infection.

What are the different pediatric dental injuries?

A chipped baby tooth can be restored by a skilled pediatric dentist. In rare cases, the dentist can reposition a dislodged baby tooth. But knocked-out baby teeth should not be reimplanted. This may cause lasting damage to the still developing permanent teeth in the child’s jawbone.

Permanent teeth in children are still underdeveloped. During injury, the tooth will need special care and follow-up. However, not all cases will need a root canal. The stem cells and blood supply in an immature permanent tooth may enable the dentist to stimulate dental root growth. In some cases, the roots can develop. The attending pediatric dentist will want to save the child’s injured tooth as much as possible.

What are the steps to take if there is a knocked-out tooth?

Locating the knocked-out tooth must happen right away. Picking up the tooth by the crown will help keep the roots intact. Cleaning the tooth with milk or plain water without scrubbing will keep the roots moist and unharmed. Placing the tooth in milk will moisten the tooth until the patient reaches the dental clinic.

The pediatric dentist will check if the tooth can still be reimplanted. The tooth and the patient should reach the dentist within the hour of the injury. This will improve the success rate of the reimplantation. If the tooth is not viable, immersing the tooth in Hanks’ balanced salt solution will be the next step. This will help preserve the tooth.

Do not be afraid to call a pediatric dentist

Root canal treatments may make you nervous, but this method could save your tooth. If your child has a serious injury to a baby tooth, the same rules apply. You should call a pediatric dentist who focuses on root canals to take a look. Your child can find pain relief and maintain a healthy smile.

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