Your child has suffered an injury to one (or more) of the primary incisors.
This sheet is
intended to help you understand what you can expect to happen, plus what
may occur that
will indicate that the tooth is taking a less favorable course.
YOU CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING REACTIONS:
1. Change in color of the tooth
The tooth (teeth) will probably darken over a period
of time, eventually turning quite
dark. Usually the color will be a charcoal gray, although
it may be brown, yellow or a
lighter color. This will begin to lighten again, returning
to a color similar to how the
tooth appeared before the injury, but not quite as
snow white.
2. Looseness
The bone that supports the tooth has been expanded by
the injury, which will make the
tooth looser than normal. As the bone returns to a
normal position, the tooth will also
tighten up again.
3. Bleeding and swelling
As with any injury, the normal reaction of the injured
tissues (in this case, the gums
and/or lips) will bleed and/or swell. A warm pack (a
washcloth is good) will help de-
crease that swelling and a warm salt water rinse will
promote healing of any cuts.
4. Pain
Fortunately, children do not usually suffer much pain
from injuries to teeth. Occa-
sionally there will be pain if the child tries to chew
with the injured tooth. As with any
injury, the area should be "babied" to avoid aggravating
the injury
YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Change in eating or sleeping habits
If your child's normal eating patterns change (in particular,
if he/she complains when
chewing or drinking something cold) or if your
child is not sleeping, another checkup
is appropriate
2. Gum boils
This will appear on the gums in the area where the
gums and lips meet. Gum boils
look like a small blister or pimple on the gums.
3. Increased swelling, looseness or pain
If any of the "expected reactions" become worse, the
area should be re-examined.
IF IN DOUBT, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL THE OFFICE ABOUT YOUR CHILD