Tooth injuries in children may include damage to teeth as a result of falls, accidents and other mishaps. These injuries can cause teeth to become chipped, cracked, partially displaced or completely dislodged from the socket in the mouth.

The consequences of a child’s tooth injury depend on the nature and severity of the injury, and whether or not the injury has occurred to a primary tooth or permanent tooth. When a permanent tooth is injured, rapid action is required to save it. When a primary tooth is injured, saving the tooth or restoring it cosmetically is much less important, as the tooth eventually will be naturally lost and replaced.

This patient guide focuses on injuries that occur in the primary teeth of children.

Injuries to primary teeth usually require the care of a dentist or other medical professional. Children who suffer a primary tooth injury may have symptoms such as bleeding in the injury area, pain or increased sensitivity in the tooth. In addition, children who injure a primary tooth may lacerate tissues in the mouth, including the cheeks, lips and gums. If the tooth has been chipped or otherwise partially damaged, it may have sharp edges that can cause further damage unless properly treated.

A dentist can stabilize teeth that are loose but still intact. Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be smoothed during dental procedures. Unlike permanent teeth, primary teeth that have been completely knocked free (avulsed) cannot be replaced. In most cases, this is not a major problem because the gap left by the avulsed primary tooth eventually will be replaced by a permanent tooth. However, in some cases a device called a space maintainer may need to be inserted into the gap formerly occupied by the primary tooth. This prevents other teeth from moving into the gap before the permanent tooth finally emerges.