health
Tooth Injurywhat to do?
OUT OF PLACE
or a basketball court, watching your child’s team compete…when suddenly a player takes a hit to the mouth. Upon inspection, it is realized that their front permanent teeth have been knocked loose or completely out. What is the right thing to do? S O, YO U ’ R E S I T T I N G AT A B A L L F I E L D
Unfortunately, this happens more often than we would like to imagine. With my own two sons playing sports, I have seen my fair share of mouth injuries. In fact, during my son’s baseball practice last month, I received an urgent call that a teammate had taken a direct hit to the mouth and was missing his front tooth, with others out of place. With proper action, we were able to save his teeth. Discussions with coaches and parents following this incident motivated me to write this article, with the hope that similar situations can also be addressed promptly and correctly in the future.
KNOCKED OUT
If someone falls or gets hit in the mouth with enough force, the entire tooth (including the root) can be knocked out of the socket. This whole tooth is about twice the length of what is normally visible in the mouth—about 1 inch long. There will be a visible hole (bleeding) in the gums. When this happens, the nerves and blood vessels will be damaged, but the tooth can be reattached to the bone. The odds of saving a tooth are highest in children but very possible in adults if swift action is taken upon injury: 1
Find the tooth. Hold
it by the crown (chewing end) and try to avoid touching or wiping the root, as this surface contains vital cells that aide in reattachment. If dirty, water can be gently poured to rinse off, but caution should be used to handle as little as possible. • If a tooth cannot be found after being knocked out, it is important to control the bleeding of the gums by placing pressure on the socket with a napkin or gauze.
40
|
JUNE 2022
|
Put the tooth back in the socket. This is the best option for 2
the tooth when possible. Be sure to orient the tooth in the proper direction and insert without using too much force. Hold or bite in place with a napkin until a dental professional can take over.
• If the tooth cannot be clearly and easily reinserted, it is important to keep it moist by placing in a cup of milk, saline, or in the mouth next to the cheek. Avoid tap water, which can cause the root cells to swell and burst. • If a child knocks out a baby tooth, the tooth should not be reinserted, as this could damage the adult tooth growing underneath.
lakenormanw oman.com
Call a dentist immediately. 3
The sooner a tooth is reimplanted and stabilized, the better the chance the tooth will reattach permanently.
After an injury, a tooth may not be completely knocked out, but can be pushed back, forward, or upward into the gum. When this occurs, a dentist should be called immediately, as the tooth root or socket could be fractured. An x-ray and exam can determine the presence of any fractures and help determine the course of action. Loose and displaced teeth can be repositioned and stabilized with a splint for up to two weeks or longer if a bone fracture is noted.
PREVENTION
Athletic mouthguards are the best protection from sport injuries to the mouth. They not only protect the teeth, but also the gums, tongue, cheek, and lips. They act as a cushion to absorb and disperse forces, which reduces the severity of injuries. They can be customized by a dental provider for the best fit, comfort, and protection. Boil-and-bite guards and stock appliances are also available but have proven less effective due to design. Talk to your dental provider about the right options for you. w
LKN EXPERT
Dr. Julianne Colvin is a family and cosmetic dentist who shares ownership of Crawford & Colvin Dentistry located at 16525 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite 300, in Huntersville. You can reach Dr. Colvin at 704.895.5850 or schedule online at www.LakeNormanDentist.com. WRITER
Dr. Julianne Colvin
