Incisor Trauma

Has your child has suffered an injury to one (or more) of the front teeth (incisors)? 

If a permanent tooth has fractured, we start with a procedure to reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the chance of healing the nerve.

The exposed dentin (inner layer of the tooth) is usually sensitive to cold and sweets. As a result, we place an insulating base material to protect the tooth. It is a tooth-colored bonded resin material that should help keep your child comfortable.

If the tooth has no symptoms, a final bonded filling will be placed onto the tooth to replace the part that was broken away. The usual life expectancy of these bonded fillings is 3-10 years.

If any symptoms arise (particularly cold sensitivity or swelling) be sure to call the office for follow-up. Possible long term problems include: darkening of the tooth with time, root canal treatment, failure of the tooth to erupt, or eventual tooth loss.

YOU CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING REACTIONS:

Change in color of the tooth
The tooth (teeth) will probably darken over a period of time, eventually turning quite dark. Usually the color will be a charcoal gray, although it may be brown, yellow or a lighter color. This will begin to lighten again, returning to a color similar to how the tooth appeared before the injury, but not quite as snow white.

Looseness
The bone that supports the tooth has been expanded by the injury, which will make the tooth looser than normal. As the bone returns to a normal position, the tooth will also tighten up again.

Bleeding and swelling
As with any injury, the normal reaction of the injured tissues (in this case, the gums and/or lips) will bleed and/or swell. A cold pack (a washcloth is good) will help decrease that swelling and a warm salt water rinse will promote healing of any cuts.

Pain
Fortunately, children do not usually suffer much pain from injuries to teeth. Occasionally there will be pain if the child tries to chew with the injured tooth. As with any injury, the area should be “babied” to avoid aggravating the injury.

YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
If your child’s normal eating patterns change (in particular, if he/she complains when chewing or drinking something cold) or if your child is not sleeping, another checkup is appropriate

Change in eating or sleeping habits

Gum boils
This will appear on the gums in the area where the gums and lips meet. Gum boils look like a small blister or pimple on the gums.

Increased swelling, looseness or pain
If any of the “expected reactions” become worse, the area should be re-examined.

IF IN DOUBT, DON’T HESITATE TO CALL THE OFFICE ABOUT YOUR CHILD