Pediatric Dental Trauma

If tooth is displaced or mobile

If tooth is pulled out of the socket

• Primary teeth: The dentist will assess the integrity of the root and extent of the displacement. The dentist may decide to monitor, reposition, or extract the tooth.
• Permanent teeth: The dentist will assess the integrity of the root and extent of the displacement. Displaced teeth will have to be repositioned in the socket and stabilized with a wire. The tooth will be monitored by the dentist and root canal therapy may be

• Primary teeth: It is not recommended to replace primary teeth when avulsion (tooth displacement) occurs. The dentist will assess if tooth is indeed avulsed (out of the socket) or possibly intruded.
• Permanent teeth: The success of re-implantation of an avulsed tooth depends on the way the tooth is manipulated as well as the speed with which it is repositioned in the socket.

• If the patient’s condition allows it, the tooth should be repositioned as soon as possible. This is achieved by holding the tooth by the crown and repositioning firmly in its original position. Pressure should be kept with a gauze while patient is in route to the Division of Dentistry or Emergency Department.
• If parents are not able to reposition tooth, it should be stored in Hanks solution or cold milk while in route to the Division of Dentistry or Emergency Department.
• Once the tooth is repositioned, the dentist will stabilize the tooth with a wire and evaluate for possible initiation of root canal therapy.

If tooth is fractured with no visible red/pink at site of fracture

If tooth is fractured with visible red/pink at site of fracture and child is in pain

• Primary teeth: The dentist will assess the extent of the fracture and condition of the tooth. The dentist may decide to monitor the tooth, place a temporary restoration to relieve sensitivity or place a permanent restoration on the tooth depending on the cooperation of the child and condition of the tooth.
• Permanent teeth: The dentist will assess the extent of the fracture and condition of the tooth. The dentist may glue the fractured piece back on the tooth or place a permanent restoration with restorative material.

• Primary teeth: The dentist will assess the extent of the fracture and condition of the tooth. The dentist may decide to initiate root canal treatment and place a restoration or extract the affected tooth, depending on the cooperation of the child and condition of the tooth.
• Permanent teeth: The dentist will assess the extent of the fracture and condition of the tooth. The dentist will initiate root canal and glue the fractured piece back on the tooth if possible or place a permanent restoration with restorative material. The tooth may require root canal therapy in the future.