What happens when a baby loses a tooth?
It’s never fun to lose a tooth unexpectedly—especially when injury or trauma is involved. When a baby tooth is knocked out, it often means uncertainty for parents. Baby teeth are supposed to fall out anyway, right?
What happens when a baby tooth is knocked out of position?
Subluxation is the partial dislocation of a tooth from its socket. It causes the tooth to become loose, as the injury primarily affects the fibers that attach the tooth root to the bone of the socket. If subluxation happens to a baby tooth, treatment depends on how loose the involved tooth is.
When to see the dentist for a lost baby tooth?
In most cases, there’s no cause for panic, but it’s important to see your dentist right away—for lost baby teeth as well as chipped, or loose teeth. The loss of a baby tooth can range from no big deal to something that needs a little more attention.
What should I do if my child’s tooth is knocked loose?
With baby teeth, dentists typically avoid “major manipulation,” so the tooth may have to remain crooked. For an adult tooth, your dentist will need to secure it quickly. If not, he or she may need to secure the tooth with stabilizing wires or dental material as soon as possible.
How are baby teeth supposed to be lost?
Sequence and timing of the loss of baby teeth. There is usually a basic pattern for the loss of baby teeth: first the two bottom front ones (lower central incisors), followed by the two top front ones (upper central incisors) and then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.
Why are my baby teeth not coming in?
The child has supernumerary teeth. Most parents regard a lost baby tooth as a considerable milestone for their children. Unfortunately, this excitement can turn to worry, when permanent teeth do not erupt as they should. If your child’s permanent teeth are not coming in, these are the 2 most likely causes.
With baby teeth, dentists typically avoid “major manipulation,” so the tooth may have to remain crooked. For an adult tooth, your dentist will need to secure it quickly. If not, he or she may need to secure the tooth with stabilizing wires or dental material as soon as possible.
Do you hang on to your baby’s teeth?
This is primarily to rule out any choking risk, as re-implantation of baby teeth is not generally needed or recommended. You should also hang on to the tooth in case your dentist wants to take a look. Depending on your child’s age, it may be a chance to move up that visit from the tooth fairy!