My 9 year old daughter was playing on a swing yesterday when she fell off. The swing popped back and hit her in the mouth. It didn't chip her tooth but it feels like it took a little chunk out of it. My husband thinks it took a little piece of the enamel off. It's not very big but it's right where her front 2 teeth come together. She is going to need braces (need to save the money up for them first) and I am wondering if they would do anything about it now or wait until after she has her braces and then fix it. It's right in the middle where the braces would go. Has anyone ever had their child chip off enamel and/or what did you do?
Thanks
DQ,
She's 9 yrs old and they can tell she needs braces??? Even before the rest of her baby teeth come out!!! Wow! Psychic dentistry!!
Anyway, have you called the dentists office?? If it's one of her permanent teeth they'll have to fix it, it'll just cause problems later on sooner than later if it's bothering her now. See what they say first and go from there.
Good Luck!
I would take her in just to be safe. I worked in the Dental field for 5 years. She may just need a simple One Surface Composite (white filling) this will even it out and help prevent further damage. If the hit weakened the tooth and you don't go, it could chip/break while she is eating and then the problem could get costly.
As a dental hygienist, I would say take him to the dentist to be evaluated. It may be a simple repair, or like you suggested, may be something to leave until orthodontics is complete to permanently repair.
If it chipped the tooth, braces will not have anything to do with fixing this. The dentist might use a file to remove any sharp edges. If the enamel is broken close to the nerve, the doctor might put a cap on the tooth. That's about it. Since it's just a chip, it doesn't sound like the tooth needs a crown.
Take them to the dentist. My son did something similar when he was 10. He made a chip, and actually cracked the tooth.
The dentist did some dental repair and it held through braces!
He is 17, now, and hasn't had a bit of trouble with it.
Unless we have any dentists who post on here, we won't be able to give you sound, solid advice based upon the individuality and uniqueness of your daughter's situation. Take her to the dentist and let the professional handle this one! Good luck to you and your daughter and I hope she's doing okay.
Have the dentist take a look at it and take care of the problem now. It would be horrid to have decay set in under the brace!
I would not take any chances with her permanent teeth so I would definitely ask the dentist if the spot should be filled in so that decay does not invade there.
I did the same thing when I was about that age. You need to take her in to see a dentist. They bonded mine, it usually has to be replaced every 5 years but it will keep her tooth from being further damaged.
get her to dentist as soon as you can. You don't want any complications from it, and it could very well leave that tooth open for serious problems.
She needs to be seen. They will put something over it to keep it from damaging her tooth. It could get very sensitive for her and that could lead to more problems.
If you need a good dentist for children, check out Dr. Bret Mann. His office is located on the corner of Shelby & Stop 11 on the southside.
Good Luck
I wouldn't worry about it too much, but I would definitely call and ask your dentist about it (escpecially if your daughter is in any pain where the tooth chipped).
Call your dentist. My son had a similar incident a few years ago. The dentist "repaired" it, and I believe it was even covered by insurance.
If it's a permanent tooth, which it probably is at 9, you should have your dentist check it out. If there is a chip in the enamel, they can put a little bit of bonding material there to prevent decay.
You did not say if her front teeth protrude, but that is often the case when the front teeth are getting hit or damaged; if so, I would not wait to see the orthodontist because they can start getting the front teeth back to prevent further damage from falls and such.
Call a dentist, we are going to give you a proper answer.
