Important steps to handle dental injuries

  • Published
  • By Capt. (Dr.) Mark Stevenson
  • 66th Medical Squadron Dental Flight
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists estimates that 17 to 25 percent of children will experience some form of dental injury by the age of 15, and that there are two peak age ranges during which these dental injuries occur. Those ages include 18 to 40 months, when curiosity is high and coordination is low, and 7 to 11 years old.

Injuries include broken teeth and teeth being displaced or completely knocked out. Dental trauma in children under the age of 3 is most commonly caused by falls, whereas teenagers are more likely to be injured in sporting accidents and fights.

The first 30 to 60 minutes after an injury are crucial in determining if a tooth can be repaired or saved, regardless of the type of injury. Steps to take after an injury depend on the injury that occurred and whether it is a baby or permanent tooth.

If a tooth has been chipped or fractured, locate the tooth fragments, if possible, and immediately contact a dentist.

When a tooth has been displaced or is out of position but still in the socket, it is important to reposition the tooth as soon as possible. Wash your hands and, if possible, while firmly holding the crown of the tooth, reposition the tooth back in the socket using the adjacent teeth as a guide.

Whether it's possible to reposition the tooth or not, use cold compression, such as a cold, wet towel or wash cloth pressed firmly against the injured area, to reduce swelling and get to a dentist as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of the injury.

If a permanent tooth has been completely dislodged from the socket, or avulsed, it is critical to put it back into the socket as soon as possible, preferably within an hour. Gently rinse the tooth in cool water. Do not scrub or try to clean the tooth with soap and avoid touching the root of the tooth. Doing so can damage delicate cells on the root surface. If possible, replace the missing tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. Contact and visit a dentist immediately. The dentist will verify the position of the tooth and splint it for stabilization.

If the injury occurs after the dental office is closed, most dentists have an answering service to handle after-hour emergencies. Anyone who is unable to replace the tooth should keep the tooth moist and hydrated while it is out of the socket. Milk or a saline solution is the best medium in which to place a tooth to keep it hydrated until it is time to see a dentist.

If it is a baby or primary tooth, don't worry about replacing the tooth, but it is still important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to assess the extent of the injury.

The use of sport guards greatly decreases the risk of a sport related dental injury. Prevention is always the best form of treatment. However, with kids being kids, accidents are unavoidable.

When the proper steps are taken following an accident, the impact of dental injuries can be minimized and the better the chances for saving a tooth.