Injury Definition

• Injury to a tooth.

Types of Tooth Injuries

• Loosened tooth - may bleed a little from the gums.
  
• Displaced tooth (usually pushed inward).
  
• Chipped or fractured tooth.  
  
• Avulsed (knocked out) tooth - a dental emergency for permanent teeth.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TOOTH INJURY

Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You think your child has a serious injury.
  
• Permanent tooth knocked out. (Reason: needs reimplantation ASAP; 2 hours is the deadline for tooth survival.)  
  
• First Aid Advice: transport the tooth in some saliva or milk.  If over 30 minutes away, try to replace the tooth in the socket before coming in.
  
• Permanent tooth is almost falling out.
  
• Baby tooth is almost falling out.    
  
• Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.  
  
• Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position.
  
• Tooth that's pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite.
  
• Severe pain.  
  
• Age less than 1 year old.

Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• 
  
• You think your child needs to be seen.
  
• Baby tooth knocked out by injury. (Reason: can't be reimplanted but dentist will check for damage to permanent tooth.)
  
• Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position.
  
• Can see a chip or fracture line in the tooth.
  
• Tooth sensitive to cold fluids.  
  
• Tooth feels very loose when you try to move it.

Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

• Mild tooth injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD DENTAL INJURIES