Most Common Dental Emergencies among Kids
Yes, it is very distressing when your little child encounters a dental emergency. These accidents are extremely common among children at two points in their development. Firstly crucial is that period between 18 to 40 months when exploration begins, and the second being that of the preadolescent to adolescent stage when sports injuries happen.
So what are the most common emergencies to expect? Toothache is the most commonplace among children across all ages and doesn’t happen without reason. Most times, it’s due to tooth fractures, tooth decay, tooth trauma, and wisdom teeth eruption. A dental visit is in order. There’s what’s called a tooth avulsion or when a tooth gets knocked-out. Right away the dentist will attempt to reimplant the tooth if it’s a permanent one; otherwise not, if it is a primary (or baby’s) tooth, less it will only damage the emerging permanent tooth bud just after it.
Then there are occasions of tooth intrusion, or the tooth is pushed upwards into the jaw bone. The force might be great enough to tear the ligaments and fracture the socket. Whether it is a primary or a permanent tooth involvement, the dentist may perform root canal treatment to save the tooth.
Tooth luxation is a lateral displacement where the tooth remains in its socket but is unnaturally inclined.It might be due to trauma that could fracture the bone underneath. A primary tooth partially out of its socket will heal on its own. The dentist, though, should save a permanent tooth and prevent infection. A dental concussion occurs after a bang, knock or fall that may not displace any tooth and didn’t cause fracture. However, if it involves a toddler’s teeth, discoloration can occur.
Crown fractures, from enamel cracks to pulp exposure, are also common emergencies. The dentist will immediately treat according to the level of involvement. Root fractures are determined by X-rays and depending on the child’s discomfort, the dentist will monitor and treat, or extract the tooth in certain scenarios. Other conditions like fractured jaw, head injury or head trauma, and uncontrolled bleeding from cuts or injury to the cheek, lips or tongue require immediate medical attention. A trip to the Emergency Room of a hospital is in order.
Do You have a Child Dental Emergency?
Don’t be agitated or frightened. Just call your Issaquah dentist right away who will tell you what to do and properly guide you. Or drop by Meadow Creek Dental – emergencies are our priority.