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Question:
My 4 year old daughter was hit by a swing and her two front teeth are very loose. X-rays were taken yesterday and reveal that both of the roots are fractured all the way across. We were told to come back in a month to see what happens (whether they fall out or start to hurt). What are the chances that the root/teeth will strenghten enough to remain in her mouth with extracting them?
Answer:
With any fall or blow to the teeth, they will become mobile/loose. Typically, the teeth will start to tighten after a week or so. The periodontal ligament will, hopefully, grab hold of the tooth and tighten it. Depending on where the fracture is, I, too, take a conservative approach on the front teeth. (not knowing where the fracture is and without an x-ray, this is more of an opinion, not a diagnosis)
I would have you return within a week or two to re-evaluate the blow. (another radiograph would be taken) I look for a couple of red flags to occur before I come to the conclusion of treatment. (these 2 are the major ones) First, if she has problems eating/drinking hot/cold foods or drinks and second, if you see that she has an abcess on the gums above the tooth. If either of these occur, then treatment should be performed.
Editorial Staff
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