Both you and your child may find a broken tooth frightening, but it’s crucial to respond calmly and promptly. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident at school or a fall during play can significantly reduce damage and avoid infection. We’ll provide professional guidance on children’s emergency dental care in this blog so you can respond appropriately and ensure your child receives the care they need immediately. 

Immediate Steps to Take After a Tooth Breaks

When a child breaks a tooth, the first few minutes are critical. Accidents do happen. First, stay calm and keep in mind that most broken teeth can be successfully restored with prompt attention. Here’s how you can handle it: 

• Ask your child if they are experiencing any pain: If necessary, apply a cold compress to their face to lessen swelling. 
• Locate the Broken Piece: Carefully rinse the broken tooth piece with clean water and keep it moist if it is still intact. The dentist may be able to reattach it later. 
• Protect the Tooth: If the break is severe and the tooth is jagged, try covering the sharp edges with dental wax or clean gauze to avoid injury to the gums or tongue.

If the tooth is just cracked, it may not require immediate emergency dental care for kids in Amherst, OH, unless it’s causing pain. However, it’s always best to call a dentist for advice.

Seeking Immediate Dental Care for Kids 

If your child has broken a tooth, emergency dental care for kids in Amherst, OH, is crucial. This cannot wait too long. During this, you need to calm your children down to ensure they are not traumatised by this event. Getting treatment on time can save the tooth and limit the trouble it causes. After you’ve done what you can at home, call your child’s dentist for an appointment.

When seeking emergency care, be sure to mention.

• What is broken? Describe the break and the level of pain your child is in.
• Let your dentist know the time frame in which the injury occurred.
• Follow-up care may include dental X-rays or a root canal if the dentist determines it is necessary due to severe tooth damage.

What Will the Dentist Do Next?

At your first appointment, your dentist will evaluate the break and may X-ray it to assess the extent of the damage. If the tooth is fractured, the dentist might.

• Bond the Tooth: The dentist may use dental bonding to restore a tooth in cases of minor fractures.
• Crown or Veneer: If the break is severe but the tooth is salvageable, a dental crown or veneer may be recommended.
• Tooth Removal: When the damage is too severe to repair, the dentist may suggest removing the tooth and considering other options, such as a dental implant or a bridge.

Accident Prevention in the Future

Although you can’t prevent every dental accident, you can lower your risk by doing the following. 

Mouthguards: If your child participates in sports, consider purchasing a custom-made mouthguard to protect their teeth. 

Safety precautions: When your child is playing or running, especially teach them to be aware of their surroundings. 

Conclusion: Keep Calm and Call the Dentist

It’s always stressful to deal with a broken tooth, but you can reduce your anxiety by knowing what to do. Emergency dental care for kids in Amherst, OH, is our specialty at Amherst Neighborhood Dentistry. Don’t wait. If your child has a broken tooth, get in touch with us right now for kind, knowledgeable care. 

FAQs

If my child breaks a tooth, what should I do?

Stay calm, clean the area, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call your dentist immediately for further advice.

When a child’s tooth breaks, how long should I wait before taking them to the dentist?

To prevent complications, it is best to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Locate an emergency dental service if it’s after hours. 

Can a fractured tooth be fixed?

Yes, depending on the severity, the dentist can bond a crown or even remove the broken tooth. 

What can I do to keep my kid from breaking a tooth?

Make sure your child is aware of their surroundings while playing and wears mouthguards when participating in sports. 

If my child breaks a tooth, will they require a root canal?

If the tooth’s pulp is damaged, a root canal might be required, but only a dentist can assess this following an examination. 

Is it possible to repair a baby tooth that is broken?

While baby teeth can break, they usually don’t require as much intervention as adult teeth, but a dentist should assess them for proper treatment.

Should I keep the broken piece of the tooth?

Yes, bring the broken piece to the dentist while keeping it moist. Depending on the break, it may be reattached.