Trauma

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, Dr. Colwick stands ready to help. If your dental emergency falls after hours please call our office and follow the prompts given. If a member of our staff has not returned your call within 10 minutes go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact our office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing of permanent teeth.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap-use only water.) If possible replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket , place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk., saliva or water. Call our office and we will prompt you on further instructions.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact our office immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip was also injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
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Can dental injuries be prevented?

Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouth guard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child proof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental check-ups provide your dentist an opportunity to discuss additional age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.