Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern
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Reading Time: Three Minutes
A dental injury can happen in seconds—especially when kids are running, climbing, or playing. One of the most alarming injuries is when a baby tooth is pushed up into the gums instead of knocked out. This is called a dental intrusion, and it needs prompt attention.
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry in Southwest Ranches, we understand how stressful this can be for families. Our team is here to provide expert care to help your child heal and protect their smile.
Table of Contents
What Is a Dental Intrusion?
A dental intrusion occurs when impact forces a baby tooth deeper into its socket in the bone. You might notice that:
- The tooth looks shorter, partially missing, or completely missing
- You will not find the tooth outside of the mouth (typically found during an avulsion, when the tooth is displaced from the socket)
- The gums around it are swollen or bleeding
- Your child feels pain or sensitivity when touching the area
Intruded baby teeth can damage:
- The root of the injured tooth
- The nerve inside the tooth
- The surrounding bone
- The developing adult tooth underneath
Prompt evaluation by a pediatric dentist is essential to decide if the tooth will re-erupt naturally or needs treatment.
What to Do Right Away
If your child’s baby tooth has been pushed into the gums:
- Do not try to move the tooth yourself
- Gently rinse the mouth with clean water to clear any blood
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling
- Keep your child calm and comfortable
- Call your pediatric dentist right away
If you are in Southwest Ranches, FL and do not have a family dentist, we welcome same-day emergency appointments. We reserve time in our schedule for emergencies and will do our best to get you in as soon as possible. Call (954) 799-6212 or visit us at 15761 Sheridan Street Suite A, Southwest Ranches, FL.
How Akoya Pediatric Dentistry Can Help
When you bring your child to Akoya, our board-certified pediatric dentists will:
- Examine the injury carefully, including a soft tissue check for any cuts or other trauma.
- Take precise digital X-rays to see how far the tooth has intruded, assess the health of the surrounding bone, and evaluate whether the permanent tooth underneath has been affected.
- Determine if the tooth can stay in place to re-erupt naturally or if it should be removed right away to prevent complications.
- Provide referrals to specialists if your child needs additional care.
Depending on the severity, treatment may include:
- Careful monitoring to allow the tooth to re-erupt over time.
- Protective measures to help prevent infection or further damage.
- Removing the tooth if it poses a risk to surrounding teeth or the permanent tooth developing below.
Follow-up care is essential. Even if your child seems comfortable after the visit, we typically schedule a follow-up appointment 1 week then 6 weeks later to monitor healing and check whether the nerve inside the tooth has been damaged. If any pain, swelling, or tooth discoloration develops sooner, we encourage you to contact our office right away.
We know dental emergencies can be frightening. Our friendly team will walk you through every step, answer all your questions, and make sure your child feels safe and supported throughout treatment.
Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry for Emergencies?
When every minute matters, you deserve a trusted pediatric dental home. Families in Southwest Ranches and surrounding communities choose Akoya because:
- Our office is designed for kids, with a gentle, welcoming environment
- Our doctors have specialized training in treating dental trauma in children
- We use advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment
We Are Here When You Need Us
If your child’s baby tooth has been pushed into the gums, our team is ready to provide prompt care and clear guidance every step of the way.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
