Toddler Tooth Injury: Emergency Dental Care for Pushed-Down or Knocked-Out Teeth

Initial Assessment

• Thorough clinical exam of the mouth, jaws, and soft tissues.
• Dental radiographs (X-rays) to assess root position, fractures, and developing permanent tooth buds.

Treatment by Injury Type

Intruded (Pushed-Down) Teeth

• Repositioning with an elevator or forceps under local anesthesia.
• Temporary splinting (2–4 weeks) to stabilize.
• Close monitoring for pulp necrosis or root resorption.

Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Primary Teeth

• Reimplantation is NOT recommended for primary teeth due to risk of damaging the underlying permanent tooth germ.
• Space maintainer may be placed to preserve arch length.
• Pedodontic (stainless steel) crown or other prosthetic option can restore aesthetics/function if needed.

Post-Treatment Care

• Soft diet, meticulous oral hygiene, prescribed analgesics/antibiotics.
• Follow-up visits at 1 week, 6–8 weeks, and periodically to monitor healing and permanent tooth eruption.

Communication

Maintain open dialogue with the pediatric dentist; ask questions and report any changes (color change, swelling, pain).