Oh No! My Child Chipped a Tooth! | 75067 Pediatric Dentist

Oh No! My Child Chipped a Tooth! | 75067 Pediatric Dentist

PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN LEWISVILLE, TX
75067 Pediatric Dentist
Posted on

The unfortunate truth is that accidents happen whether it be sports injury, a fall off their bike, or simply tripping.  While most chipped teeth are not serious, if the damage is beyond the tooth’s enamel layer, there is a risk of infection and tooth loss.  Some children seem to be accident-prone, so it’s important to know what to do just in case:

Before your dental appointment:

  • Rinse the mouth well with warm water.
  • If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medication, if needed.
  • The tooth may have sharp areas that can damage the tongue or cheeks, so use a piece of sugarless gum or dental wax on the affected area to protect soft tissues.
  • If your child must eat, they should consume only liquids or soft foods.
  • And, most importantly: reassure your child that everything is going to be okay!

Possible treatment options may include:

  • Smoothing: Not every chip requires extensive work.  We may just polish or smooth out rough edges.
  • Fillings: Typically used for more severe chips or on molars. This will help keep the chip from getting worse, and also help the tooth feel better in the mouth.
  • Crown: A ‘cap’ for the tooth to help prevent further damage, and restore the tooth to normal function, especially if it is in the front of the mouth.
  • Root canal: Usually reserved for more serious or vertical breaks in the tooth, especially if it’s one of your child’s adult teeth.  A root canal therapy is performed when the pulp of a tooth that is either damaged or infected, and is usually accompanied by a crown.
  • Tooth removal: In severe cases the tooth may need to be removed.  We use this as a last resort when the tooth structure has been severely compromised, such as when cavities have weakened the tooth from the inside out, resulting in the crack.

Chipped and cracked teeth are scary for anyone, especially a child.  We encourage patients to wear a mouthguard, especially if they participate in a contact sport.  Please contact our Lewisville, TX Pediatric Dentist office immediately if you feel anything is wrong.  Thankfully, most chipped teeth are minor and easy to fix!

For more information or to schedule your appointment, contact our office today!  We’ll be happy to help you!  

We are accepting new patients.

Lewisville Kids Dentistry
Phone: (972) 436-9121
Url: https://lewisvillekidsdentistry.com/
501 S Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, TX75067

Read Our Lewisville Pediatric Dental News

PEDIATRIC DENTIST in Lewisville, TX

Having Fun With Oral Hygiene...

June 1st 2023

It’s not easy to get your child to practice good oral hygiene on their own. They need your help, and it’s worth the time and patience. Good dental care at a young age reaps long-term benefits. Here are a few ways to make daily oral hygiene more exciting for your kids. 1. Let Them Accessorize...
Read More

Is My Child Ready for...

May 15th 2023

Braces are perfect for achieving straight, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Braces tend to be most effective while the patient is young and their mouth structure is still forming. If you think your child is ready for braces, here are a few things to help you make informed decisions. What’s the Point of Braces?...
Read More

Baby Teeth: Should They Be...

May 1st 2023

The development of your child’s mouth is an important part in their overall growth, and part of the transition is the loss of primary (baby) teeth. For most children, these first teeth will loosen and fall out on their own; however, this is not always the case. Our doctor will evaluate your child’s mouth to...
Read More