Tooth Loss Treatment

If your child has knocked out a tooth, don’t panic! Our Bethesda, MD, emergency pediatric dentist can evaluate the area, manage bleeding, and determine whether the tooth can be saved or needs to be replaced. For baby teeth lost too early, space maintainers or pediatric partial dentures help protect spacing and chewing. For permanent teeth, temporary solutions may be placed while planning next steps.

Learn more about tooth loss treatment for kids below.

Losing Baby Teeth vs. Adult Teeth

Children naturally lose their baby teeth as they grow, but when a tooth is knocked out unexpectedly, it should always be taken seriously. The type of tooth involved plays a big role in how it’s treated, however. Baby teeth are not usually replanted because doing so could damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Still, an early or traumatic loss of a primary tooth can affect spacing, speech development, and how permanent teeth come in, so a proper evaluation from our local pediatric dentist is important.

Losing an adult tooth is considered a true dental emergency. Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and fast action may allow the tooth to be saved. Dr. Shin will determine whether the tooth can be replanted or if another form of tooth loss treatment is needed. In both situations, prompt care helps prevent complications and supports healthy development.

What Can I Do at Home After My Kid Knocks Out a Tooth?

If your child knocks out a tooth, staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference. There are a few steps you can take at home before bringing your child into our Bethesda, MD, pediatric dental office. 

• Pick up the tooth by the top, or crown, and avoid touching the roots.
• Check whether the tooth is intact and not fractured.
• If the tooth is dirty, do not scrub or rub it.
• Gently rinse the tooth in a bowl of lukewarm tap water for a few seconds if needed.
• Avoid touching the root surface, as the cells there are needed for possible reattachment.
• Try to place the tooth back into the socket if your child can tolerate it.
• Have your child gently bite down and keep their jaw closed until you reach our office.
• If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, place it in a small container of milk.
• Get to our office as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving an adult tooth.

Even if you’re unsure whether the tooth is a baby or adult tooth, it’s best to follow the steps above and seek care right away.