Traumatic dental injuries are common in children and teenagers, often resulting from sports, accidents, or falls. However, they can impact people of all ages. At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of seeking immediate care after a dental injury. Even seemingly minor injuries should be examined promptly by a pediatric dentist near you, as unseen damage to neighboring teeth is common and can only be detected through a thorough dental evaluation.
Chipped teeth are among the most frequent types of dental injuries. Most chipped or cracked teeth can be restored by either reattaching the broken piece or applying a tooth-colored filling. In cases where a significant portion of the tooth has broken off, an artificial crown or cap may be necessary to protect the tooth’s structure.
For injuries affecting the back teeth, such as fractured cusps or split teeth, treatment may involve placing a full crown or, in more severe cases, performing a root canal to restore function. If a crack extends deep into the root, extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications. Our team is here to guide you through all available options to restore your child’s smile.
In certain injuries, a tooth may be forced out of its natural position—either pushed sideways, inward, or partially out of its socket. To address this, our team will reposition and stabilize the affected tooth. For permanent teeth, a root canal is often necessary within days after the injury to maintain the health of the tooth.
In children ages 7 to 12, root canal treatment may not be needed, as their teeth are still developing. In these cases, we closely monitor the healing process and provide intervention only if required, ensuring the best possible outcome for your child’s dental health.
A knocked-out tooth requires swift action. If your child’s tooth is completely knocked out, handle it with care, avoiding contact with the root. Rinse it gently in water, but avoid using soap or scrubbing. Ideally, place the tooth back into the socket as quickly as possible to increase the likelihood of saving it.
If reinserting the tooth is not possible, store it in a clean container with milk and seek dental care immediately. Once at our office, our kids emergency dentist will assess the injury, check for other potential dental or facial injuries, and, if necessary, place a stabilizing splint to support the tooth. Depending on your child’s age and the stage of root development, we may recommend a root canal procedure a week or two after the injury to ensure proper healing.
Traumatic injuries can sometimes result in horizontal fractures along the root of the tooth. The location of the fracture has a direct impact on the tooth’s long-term health. Fractures near the root tip generally have a better prognosis than those closer to the gum line. Stabilization using a splint may be required to support the healing process, and our team will carefully monitor the tooth’s stability over time to ensure the best outcome.
Primary (baby) teeth, when chipped, can often be restored for aesthetic purposes. However, if a baby tooth is knocked out, replanting it is typically not recommended, as this can harm the developing permanent tooth beneath it.
For children with newly erupted permanent teeth, extra care and follow-up are essential. These developing teeth may not need root canal treatment due to the presence of stem cells that can stimulate continued growth. At Kool Koala, we provide specialized care and close monitoring to ensure these immature teeth have the best chance of healing naturally.
In some cases, the body’s defense mechanisms may lead to root resorption, where it begins to absorb the injured tooth. This process can compromise the tooth’s stability and longevity. After a traumatic injury, regular follow-up visits allow our team to check for signs of resorption and ensure the surrounding tissues are healing properly. Monitoring and early intervention can help manage resorption and preserve your child’s smile.
If your child experiences a traumatic dental injury, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental care—even if the injury appears minor. Damage such as chipped or fractured teeth or internal trauma to surrounding structures may not be visible without a full evaluation. At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the injury and provide appropriate treatment options.
A root canal treatment is often recommended when the nerve inside the tooth has been damaged—especially in permanent teeth. For example, if a tooth is dislodged or knocked out and reinserted, a root canal is typically needed within a few days to prevent infection or long-term complications. However, in younger children with developing teeth, root canal treatment may not be required immediately and can sometimes be avoided with careful monitoring.
Chipped or fractured teeth are among the most common traumatic dental injuries. Treatment depends on the severity: minor chips can often be repaired with a tooth-colored filling, while more extensive damage may require an artificial crown. For fractures involving the root or back teeth, a root canal or even extraction might be necessary. Our team ensures the restoration is both functional and aesthetic.
Dental traumatology is the specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating injuries to the teeth and supporting structures caused by trauma. It includes managing traumatic dental injuries like knocked-out teeth, root fractures, and chipped or fractured teeth. At Kool Koala, we use evidence-based practices in dental traumatology to ensure the best outcomes for your child, especially when treating permanent teeth or guiding healing in still-developing ones.
Yes, permanent teeth can face more serious consequences from traumatic dental injuries, as they are intended to last a lifetime. Injuries like displacement, fractures, or avulsion (knock-outs) may require treatments such as root canal procedures, splinting, or ongoing monitoring. Unlike primary teeth, which are not usually replanted, permanent teeth must be handled carefully to preserve long-term dental health.
At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we understand the urgency of traumatic dental injuries and are here to offer prompt, expert care. With locations across New Jersey and Delaware, including Collingswood, we’re dedicated to serving families with compassionate, skilled pediatric dental services. If your child experiences a dental injury, don’t delay—visit our appointment request page to ensure your child’s dental health receives the attention it needs.
