If you do not find the tooth after the impact, it may have “entered” the bone. The intrusion of the tooth into the jawbone can be total or partial.

The cause of an intruded tooth is the shock itself received at the chin or directly on the tooth.

In the case of a major impact to the head or a tooth, especially when a tooth appears to be pushed into the gum, it is necessary to go to a dentist’s office as soon as possible to have the situation assessed.

Emergency treatment will only be carried out if the germ of the final tooth is affected. At that time, an extraction should be performed to avoid compromising the condition of the permanent tooth.

• At the dentist’s office, an X-ray is taken to assess the degree of intrusion of the tooth into the gum and to check the positioning of the apex (root tip) of the milk tooth in relation to the germ of the final tooth;
• If the apex situation poses a risk to the permanent tooth, an extraction of the injured tooth may be recommended;
• Otherwise, a natural repositioning of the tooth, which should normally return to its original position after a few weeks, is preferable. In these circumstances, a follow-up with the attending dentist will be necessary. Eventually, the milk tooth will fall off and normally give way to the permanent tooth;
• If the baby tooth does not return to its place, orthodontic traction may be offered and the child may be referred to an orthodontist.

An intruded tooth should be regularly monitored as it is at risk of necrosis, i.e. death. In such a situation, an abscess may form and more intrusive treatments may become necessary.

It is difficult to prevent a fall or accident. However, a few precautionary measures can be put in place to minimize the risk of a baby tooth fracture:

• Have your child wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter. The helmet will significantly reduce the impact of a fall;
• Adapt parts of the house to make them safer. For example, place the coffee table in the living room near a wall and not in the centre of the room to avoid bad falls. If your child is used to being turbulent in the bathroom, place a towel on the rim of the bathtub to cushion the impact if it falls nearby;
• Finally, to ensure the health of your child’s teeth, watch brushing carefully and encourage them to take care of their teeth from an early age. Regular dental check-ups, once or twice a year, will also help prevent many problems.