Kids Dental Specialist Singapore: How do they Treat Teeth Injuries in Toddlers?

A toddler, especially one who has had dental trauma, may encounter difficulties reaching certain nooks and crannies between their teeth when brushing. Here’s where your kids’ dental specialist in Singapore comes in.

They are not only well-equipped in addressing dental trauma in children but also challenges like cleaning every surface of the affected teeth. But how exactly, do they go about it? Find out in this guide;

How do Pediatric Dentists Treat Teeth Injuries in Toddlers?

Teeth injuries can occur in toddlers due to several reasons. You may want to see a kids’ dental specialist in Singapore for teeth injuries due to issues like

• Falls
• Accidents, or
• Sports-related incidents

When faced with such situations, it is crucial to seek immediate dental care from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children’s oral health. In regards to how kids’ specialists treat teeth injuries in toddlers, here’s what you need to know;

When you take your toddler to a kids’ specialist in Singapore following a teeth injury, the specialist will conduct a thorough clinical examination. Essentially, this is the first step in determining the extent of the damage.

The dentist will carefully assess the affected area. You can expect them to examine the injured tooth, surrounding tissues, and the child’s overall oral health. Depending on the specific case, the dentist may also recommend radiographs (X-rays). They may also suggest additional tests to evaluate the injury comprehensively.

Management and Treatment

After assessing the teeth injury, the pediatric dentist will discuss the available management options with you. The treatment plan they recommend for your child depends on several factors.

Key among these factors includes;

• The nature and severity of the injury
• The age of the child, and
• The status of the baby’s overall oral health

Here are some common treatment approaches for teeth injuries in toddlers:

1. Smoothing Rough Edges: The pediatric dentist may choose to smooth these edges if the injury has resulted in jagged or rough edges on the affected tooth. This procedure helps eliminate discomfort and prevents further damage to the soft tissues in the mouth.
2. Repairing with Tooth-Colored Resin Material: When the injury involves a fracture or chip in the tooth, the pediatric dentist may repair it using a tooth-colored resin material. This approach aims to restore the tooth’s structure and aesthetics, ensuring a natural appearance while providing the necessary protection.
3. Leaving the Tooth in Place: If the injury is minor and the tooth is not extensively damaged, the pediatric dentist may leave the tooth in place without any immediate intervention. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to closely monitor the tooth’s condition and ensure proper healing.
4. Tooth Removal: Severe injuries, such as avulsion (complete tooth loss) or extensively damaged teeth may require tooth removal. This option is typically considered when the tooth cannot be saved or poses a risk to the child’s oral health. Pediatric dentists are skilled in performing extractions in a gentle and child-friendly manner to minimize discomfort.
5. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a technique commonly used by pediatric dentists to repair small chips or fractures in the teeth. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the affected area. The resin is then carefully sculpted to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Dental bonding is a minimally invasive treatment option that can be completed in a single visit. This makes it convenient for not just you but also the child.
6. Root Canal Treatment: A root canal treatment may be necessary if a toddler’s primary tooth sustains an injury that affects the tooth’s pulp (the innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels). Pediatric dentists are skilled in performing root canals on primary teeth. They may recommend this treatment to save the affected tooth and prevent further complications. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, disinfecting the root canal space, and sealing it with a biocompatible material.
7. Space Maintainers: In situations where a primary tooth is lost prematurely due to injury, a space maintainer may be recommended. Space maintainers are devices designed to hold the space left by the missing tooth. This can help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and ensure proper alignment of the permanent teeth.
8. Dental Implants: In cases where a permanent tooth is lost or avulsed, dental implants may be considered a treatment option for older children and teenagers. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to restore function and aesthetics.

Immediate Care for Dislocated Permanent Tooth

When a permanent tooth is knocked out, immediate action is crucial. This situation is considered a dental emergency.

So, the tooth should ideally be reinserted into the tooth socket within the first 15 minutes to one hour. If prompt treatment is received, there is a higher chance of saving the tooth. Here’s what your kids’ specialist in Singapore would want you to do in such cases;

1. Retrieving the Tooth: Carefully handle the dislocated tooth by the crown (the part visible in the mouth), avoiding contact with the root. It’s essential to avoid touching or scrubbing the root surface as it may damage the delicate cells necessary for reattachment.
2. Reinserting the Tooth: If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket, ensuring it is facing the correct way. Applying light pressure can help secure it in place temporarily. However, it is crucial not to force the tooth into the socket if it doesn’t fit easily.
3. Transporting the Tooth: If reinserting the tooth is not feasible, preserving it properly is vital. Place the tooth in a clean container and cover it with cold milk or a suitable tooth-preservation solution recommended by a dentist. It is crucial to keep the tooth moist during transportation.
4. Seeking Immediate Dental Care: After stabilizing the dislocated tooth, seek immediate dental care from a pediatric dentist. They will assess the tooth’s viability, reposition it if necessary, and provide further guidance on the required treatment and follow-up care.

Post-Injury Care and Follow-Up

The pediatric dentist will provide detailed instructions on caring for the injury site after the initial treatment. In this case, the guidelines will primarily aim to prevent infection and promote optimal healing.

These instructions may include guidance on oral hygiene practices, dietary considerations, and medication if needed. It is crucial to follow these guidelines diligently to ensure the best possible recovery for your baby.

The pediatric dentist will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress. During these appointments, they will assess the tooth’s vitality and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. These visits are essential for ensuring the long-term success and well-being of the child’s oral health.

Closing Thoughts

Teeth injuries in toddlers require prompt attention and specialized care from pediatric dentists. Through a thorough implementation based on the injury’s nature and severity, your baby has a better chance of salvaging their teeth.

Did your toddler suffer a tooth injury, but you’re still unsure where to begin? Call us now to book your appointment. Call or visit us now at:

An Dental – Orchard Dentist | Dental Implant | Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Kids Dentistry Singapore

360 Orchard Rd,

#03-06/07 International Building,

Singapore 238869

https://andental.sg/

+65 6513 9549

Lewis Michaelson