What to expect if my toddler chipped his tooth?

Updated on February 14, 2008
N.W. asks from Clinton Township, MI
9 answers

My 18 month old chipped his tooth this morning. The poor kid didn't hurt himself, but the chip looks horrible! I know I need to take him to a Pediatric Dentist, and I did get a referral from my Pediatrician for one. But, I just wanted to ask if anyone's child has chipped there tooth at such a young age and what should I expect when he sees the dentist? Will they bond it? Do you think they will be able to take care of it without having to put him to sleep? I can't imagine having to do that just because it looks bad if there is nothing else wrong with it. Also, if you have any other recommendations on Pediatric Dentists or any other comments on what I should expect taking such a young one to the dentist, I would appreciate it.

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Summary

Some moms' experience said if it is just a chip, there shouldn't be anything to worry about, it is only when the gums are injured. Take the child to a pediatric dentist, they may take x-rays to make sure no unseen damage is done, and go from there.

So What Happened?

We took him to Dr. Curt at Preferred Dental. They were great there. It went well. They took an x-ray to make sure that there was not root damage which could cause infection or any damage to the permanent tooth which was the biggest concern. All was fine, so they just filed it down, because it was sharp. They had me sit in the chair with my son on my lap, and that worked great. I couldn't believe what a champ my son was. They put the filer on his finger nails first and he thought it was so cool. He kept wanting them to do it again. So, then when they did his tooth, he didn't cry at all. I am just thankful it didn't have to be pulled. Okay, now I'm ready for the next injury with these boys! Thanks everyone!

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C.C.

answers from Detroit on

My niece had the same thing happen to her when she was little and there was not anything that could be done except to pull the teeth. (Her teeth broke off near the gum line) It is not cosmetically pleasing to any mom, but it usually what happens. My niece was missing her front teeth for longer than usual--until she was 5 or 6 and her permanent teeth came in. Primary teeth are not permanent and are made to fall out eventually.

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L.Y.

answers from Detroit on

my daughter chipped her tooth at age 21/2 or so. it was more than a chip, it cracked and she lost part of it. so she definitely had to see pediatric dentist. (she was bleeding at the gums and went to emergency) if it is just a chip, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. it is only when the gums are injured, as in her case, that their has to be something done. a dentist may take x-rays to make sure no unseen damage is done. As my older sister used to say, "don't pay the toll, until you come to the toll booth" lol...in other words, don't worry until you have the information from the dentist.
my first two children were 11 months apart and are now 41 and 40! my youngest, who hurt her tooth is 34 and has 3 children of her own! life happens! :)
Granny

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C.S.

answers from Detroit on

Aw poor kid and poor mom! My daughter had 2 teeth extracted and 2 root canals at age 16 months, and they did it under light sedation they didn't put her to sleep and she did great. They had me give her a tsp of the meds before we left so by the time we got there she was loopy. I think it's just an antihistamine or something like that. By that evening she was totally normal and fine, actually better since her teeth weren't hurting anymore. Pediatric dentists are so great with kids, my daughter actually loves going to the dentist because she knows they're going to be sweet to her and of course give her a sticker and new toothbrush. They will probably just bond it as you said. Be prepared that they might not let you stay for the procedure, my dentist has all parents wait in the waiting room (which is HARD), but I think it does help the child stay calm since you're not behind the dentist freaking out. Good luck!

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C.D.

answers from Detroit on

I can so sympathize with your pain! I also have two boys and my youngest at 15 months old fell and took a nice chip out of his front tooth also. My friend who works at a dentist office recommended just leaving it. For the amount of money and trauma that the kid would go through it is not worth it for a tooth that they are going to loose in 5 or so years. My son has the chip on his front tooth and we have never done anything about it. Good luck with it! I'm sure with two boys it is the beginning of many bumps and bruises!

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

My son had many difficulties when he was young - his first dental visit was at about 2 1/2 y.o. he had some serious teeth issues - somehow, we found the Best Pediatric Dentist in the Metro AREA!! DR. Curt - He takes time with both you and your child and wants you both to be comfortable - I can't begin to tell you in words how wonderful this man is, you'll have to meet him for yourself. I believe he has two offices, we've gone to Roseville from Sterling Heights for these office visits! That should tell you how good he is! His office ####-###-####. I HIGHLY recommend this man, and I would still have a dentist check him out just to be sure there are no other problems! Let me know how things go!

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N.W.

answers from Detroit on

Hi. I am not sure in which city you are located, but I know an excellent pediatric dentist. It is called Pediatric Dental Care in Warren, MI. My 2 year old grandson chipped his tooth, so my son took him to the dentist. They recommended repair to prevent decay, so they bonded it and it looks great. I forgot to mention that they gave him something to make him a little lethargic so that he wouldn't fight. And it is not covered by insurance since it is considered cosmetic.

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A.K.

answers from Detroit on

My son chipped his tooth, I believe around a year old. he is a rough little boy. It isn't super bad, but I did show the dentist when he was 15 months when I took his sister, to get hers cleaned. He wasn't concerned and said not to bring him in until he is 3. Not sure if this accurate infomation, just from one dentist. My son will be 3 in April and he will get his first cleaning and apt then. Plus we were told anything done on a child before 3 wouldn't be covered on our insurance either, not that it would matter if it was important to be fixed.

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N.W.

answers from Detroit on

My dentist is awesome- I drive from Rochester Hills to see him.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday 9-6
Wednesday 11-6
Thursday 8-4
Friday 8-1

Gaynor Family Dental Association
42611 Garfield Rd.
Clinton Twp, Mi 48038
###-###-####

My brother chipped a tooth at three- it was pulled. His adult teeth came in just fine though.

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A.A.

answers from Toledo on

My daughter did the same thing around the same age. We pretty much did nothing. I just make sure she brushes good. We had her at the dentist about 6 months ago for a cleaning and he said that she has a little cavity there now, but not to worry, unless she complains of tooth pain, because it's a baby tooth and will fall out soon. She is 5 now. This was good for us, because we cannot afford restorative dental procedures for a tooth that will fall out anyway.

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