Traumatic Dental Injuries in Voorhees, NJ
When your child experiences a dental injury, prompt, gentle care makes all the difference. Dr. Jeffrey Singer provides expert treatment for chipped, loose, and knocked-out teeth in a comforting environment designed just for kids.
A split second on the playground, a tumble down the stairs, or an unexpected collision during a game can leave your child with a chipped, loose, or knocked-out tooth. When dental trauma strikes, the moments immediately following the injury often determine whether a tooth can be saved and how fully your child’s smile will recover.
At ABC Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Singer provides compassionate, expert emergency dental care for children who have experienced dental injuries. With years of experience treating young patients in Voorhees and surrounding communities like Cherry Hill, Marlton, and Stratford, Dr. Singer understands that traumatic dental injuries require both clinical expertise and a gentle approach that keeps children calm during what can be a frightening experience.
What to Do When Your Child Experiences Dental Trauma
Staying calm helps your child remain calm, making it easier to assess the situation and provide appropriate first aid.
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If possible, gently rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution and attempt to reinsert it into the socket. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately. For loose or displaced teeth, avoid pushing on the tooth and contact your pediatric dentist right away.
Bleeding from soft tissue injuries can be controlled with gentle pressure using a clean cloth. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and help manage discomfort. Document what happened, including how the injury occurred and any symptoms your child experiences, as this information helps the dental team determine the best treatment approach.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Dental Trauma
Treatment for traumatic dental injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury, the tooth affected, and your child’s individual needs.
Minor fractures may be treated with dental bonding or smoothing to restore the tooth’s appearance and prevent irritation. More significant fractures might require restorative treatments such as crowns to protect and strengthen the damaged tooth. When the dental pulp is affected, treatment may include pulpotomy procedures to preserve tooth vitality and prevent infection.
Luxated teeth often require repositioning and stabilization with a flexible splint, allowing the supporting structures to heal. In cases where a tooth is severely damaged, deeply intruded, or poses a risk to the developing permanent tooth beneath, tooth extraction may be the safest option. Follow-up appointments monitor healing progress and watch for complications like infection or changes in tooth color that might indicate nerve damage. The treatment plan always considers how intervention might affect permanent teeth that are still developing beneath the gums.
Understanding Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children
Traumatic dental injuries occur more frequently in children than many parents realize. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that traumatic dental injuries comprise approximately five percent of all injuries, with a quarter of all school-aged children experiencing some form of dental trauma during childhood. These injuries range from minor chips to complete tooth avulsions, and each type requires specific treatment approaches.
Children face unique risks for dental trauma as they develop motor skills, explore their environment, and participate in sports and play activities. Toddlers learning to walk frequently experience falls that impact their front teeth, while older children may sustain injuries during athletic activities or accidents. Understanding how to respond to these injuries and seeking prompt professional care can significantly improve outcomes.
Types of Dental Injuries and How They Affect Your Child
Dental trauma encompasses several distinct injury categories, each requiring specialized assessment and treatment.
Tooth Fractures
Fractures can range from small enamel chips to more severe breaks that expose the tooth’s inner layers. Minor chips may only require smoothing or bonding, while deeper fractures affecting the dentin or pulp demand more extensive treatment. When a fracture exposes the nerve, your child may experience sensitivity or pain that signals the need for immediate attention.
Luxation Injuries
Luxation refers to tooth displacement within the socket. A tooth may be pushed inward (intrusion), pulled partially out (extrusion), or moved sideways (lateral luxation). These injuries are particularly common in primary teeth due to the softer bone structure surrounding developing dentition. The pediatric dental team evaluates each luxation carefully, considering the tooth’s position, the child’s age, and potential impacts on permanent teeth developing beneath the gums.
Avulsion
Complete tooth avulsion occurs when a tooth is entirely knocked out of its socket. Time is critical with avulsed permanent teeth, as reimplantation success rates decrease significantly with each passing minute. For primary teeth, reimplantation is typically not recommended because it may damage the developing permanent tooth beneath.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
While not all dental injuries can be prevented, taking proactive steps significantly reduces your child’s risk.
Custom-fitted sports mouthguards provide essential protection during athletic activities. Unlike store-bought options, professionally made mouthguards offer superior fit and protection because they are designed specifically for your child’s mouth. Childproofing your home by padding sharp corners and securing furniture can reduce fall-related injuries in younger children. Teaching older children about safety during play and the importance of wearing protective gear during sports helps establish habits that protect their smiles for years to come.
Schedule Traumatic Dental Injury Care at ABC Children's Dentistry
Dr. Jeffrey Singer and the team at ABC Children’s Dentistry understand that dental emergencies are stressful for the entire family. Voted Top Dentist for Pediatric Dentistry by the Consumers Research Council of America, Dr. Singer brings both exceptional clinical skills and a warm, engaging approach that helps children feel comfortable even during unexpected visits. The Disney-themed office environment transforms potentially scary dental experiences into manageable ones.
ABC Children’s Dentistry serves families throughout Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Gibbsboro, Lindenwold, and the surrounding South Jersey communities. The practice participates with numerous PPO dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and many others. If your child has experienced a dental injury or you want to learn more about protecting their smile, contact the office to schedule an appointment.
Meet Dr. Jeffrey Singer
Dr. Jeffrey Singer brings over 20 years of specialized pediatric dental expertise to families throughout South Jersey. As the founder of ABC Children's Dentistry in Voorhees, Dr. Singer combines exceptional clinical training with a uniquely compassionate approach that transforms routine dental visits into positive experiences children actually look forward to.
With advanced training in behavior management and hospital-based sedation dentistry, Dr. Singer provides complete pediatric dental services tailored to each child's unique needs. His expertise extends to treating children with special healthcare needs, ensuring every child receives comfortable, compassionate care in the safest possible environment.
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- 1001 Laurel Oak Rd STE E2, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
- 856-783-3515
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