Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for June 2014

Trauma from baby tooth knocked out?

by

We were at a playgroup when my daughter’s baby tooth got knocked out. I thought she was fine, but later she started complaining about it.  There is some swelling. What do I do?

Alicia K. – Ft. Lauderdale

Alicia,

Generally, when a baby tooth is knocked out it really isn’t a big deal, but sometimes you get a case where there is some underlying damage to the tooth underneath. In these cases she needs to be seen. The sooner the better.

It’s very likely your dentist has a system for dental emergencies and this would qualify.  Get your daughter in and let him take a look. If there is anything that can be done to save the adult tooth, he’ll know.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

My daughter is in tears because she doesn’t want braces

by

I have a sixteen year old daughter. We just moved to the states. The children here seem to all have perfect teeth. I know she should get braces, but she is very upset about it.  She said the children with braces are made fun of and she doesn’t want that to happen to her. If she’s happy with out straight teeth, should I make her get braces?

Maggie L. – San Diego, CA

Maggie,

Whether or not your daughter gets braces is a decision you’ll have to make together. It wouldn’t be fair of me to tell you what is the best decision for your daughter, especially since I haven’t examined her.  Maybe her teeth are fine, but just crooked. In that case it wouldn’t matter if she got braces. In other situations, maybe her teeth are out of alignment in a way that can lead to TMJ. That can cause serious problems and pain for her.

My suggestion is you see a dentist who does orthodontic work and they can examine her and see what will be best for her.  I do have some good news for you. If it is determined that she will need braces, she’s not stuck with those metal things that makes her afraid of being made fun of in school There are now “invisible braces”, such as Invisalign. No one will ever know she is wearing them. Her teeth can be straightened in secret.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.