Trauma to baby teeth in Westlake, OH

Trauma to primary anterior teeth (baby front teeth) occurs reasonably frequently. Fortunately, most children receive little, if any, visible damage to his/her primary anterior teeth. However, there is the possibility of problems developing following a traumatic dental incident. The following are signs and/or changes that you will need to look for in the coming weeks and months:

– Color change: The traumatized tooth/teeth may discolor over weeks or months, this may vary from light gray or yellow all the way to a dark gray or brown

– Abscess: A “gum boil” may form above the tooth . Call/text the dentist

-Swelling: Generalized swelling may occur in the vicinity of the traumatized tooth/teeth and can cause temporary lip or facial disfiguration. If swelling starts a few weeks after the incident it indicates an infection. Please call/ text the dentist right away.

– Mobility: The traumatized tooth/teeth may become very loose after they have initially tightened following the original traumatic incident. Call during business hours

– Discomfort: Complaints of discomfort associated with the traumatized primary tooth/teeth can occur. An example would be your child not wanting to use his/her front teeth for biting and chewing. Please keep your child on a soft diet for the first five to seven days following the traumatic incident. Acetaminophen (“Tylenol”) or Ibuprofen (“Advil”) may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for discomfort.