Patient Education

Dental Trauma 101

Facial and dental injuries happen. We are here to help.

Understanding Dental Trauma

First and foremost, we always encourage parents to ensure that their child is stable. If the injury was significant, please have your child assessed by a physician to rule out concussion or more serious head trauma. Things to consider:

  • Did your child lose consciousness or blackout?
  • Does your child feel nauseous? Did your child vomit at the time of the accident?
  • Is there large bruising on the face or around the eyes?
  • Is your child acting strangely?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it is best to seek emergency care at the local hospital, and this may include an ambulance ride. On rare occasions, parents have brought their child to the dental office when the first stop should have been the emergency room. We always say – fix heads before teeth.

What does dental trauma look like?

  • Soft tissue injury or lacerations
  • Tooth is pushed in
  • Tooth is pushed sideways
  • Tooth is completely knocked out
  • Tooth is chipped
  • Tooth is broken in half into the pulp – see pink

Dental Trauma Care

Soft tissue injuries, especially lacerations, should be attended to as soon as possible. Also, please ensure that your child’s tetanus vaccination is up-to-date, particularly if the accident happened in a dirty space (e.g., gravel pit, playground).

The main concern with primary tooth trauma is the ultimate effect it will have on the underlying permanent teeth still developing in the bone. If a primary tooth is knocked out, please do not put it back in the mouth. Replacing the tooth can cause damage to the underlying permanent teeth. For all other primary tooth injuries, seek dental care as as soon as possible.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, the most important factor is dry-time. Once again, always ensure that your child is stable. The best place for the permanent tooth is actually back in the socket; nevertheless, replacing the tooth can be quite stressful for parents, which is why most will store the tooth in milk until their child can see a dentist. For all other permanent tooth injuries, seek dental care as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns, or to book your child an emergency appointment. Dr. Perusini and the staff at Avenue Pediatric Dentistry are here to help, and will ensure that your child receives timely and appropriate care.

Schedule an appointment with us today for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Come Find Us

Conveniently located in the heart of Edmonton, Avenue Pediatric Dentistry proudly deliver all aspects of dental care to infants, children and teenagers, as well as those of all ages with special needs.

Contact

Tel: 780-428-7761
Fax: 780-428-1032
Email: [email protected]

HOURS

Monday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Tuesday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Wednesday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Thursday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Friday 7:30a.m.–11:30a.m.