Can a Dentist fix a chipped front tooth on a Pre Schooler?

[Paulacarl]

Hi,
Our nearly 3 yo has come off his ride on tonight on to the tiled kitchen floor. He's taken a sizeable chunk out of one of his top front teeth, and looks quite a sight (though its not hurting him thank goodness.) Does anyone know whether a Dentist can do anything about this? Can they cap the tooth, or does he just have to look like this until his adult teeth come in? (And when is that exactly?)
Obviously going to ring the Dentist in the morning but just wondering whether anyone has any experience of this.
Thanks

[bonzo77]

I assume your child was not knocked out, and if he was you took him to A&E. if your child is super cooperative it is theoretically possible to replace the tip with some tooth coloured filling material. However, if the child is less than 101% cooperative (and even if they are), it is highly likely to come off again. It'd probably be better to leave it, or maybe smooth it off a little so it looks more even. It is very unlikely that a crown would be offered in this country, though I have seen stainless steel ones used in the UK, though they look bloody awful. Definitely take him to the dentist though, as the damage may be more complicated than you think, and may need some follow up. I'm a dentist BTW.

[Paulacarl]

Thanks. He wasn't knocked out, no. Sounds like we may have to just get used to his new look for a few years. It won't look great even when smoothed off as its the inner corner of the tooth that he's knocked off and the top of the chip is only 2-3mm off the gum line. Off to the dentist.

[NotMrsTumble]

Definitely a trip to the dentist. The upper front teeth are likely to have to last until he's around 6. It sounds as if he's taken off a fairly hefty chunk off the tooth, your dentist will want to check if the remaining tooth is mobile and possibly X-ray to check for root fracture/damage. Be prepared that they may want to refer your ds for a second opinion or want to see your ds more frequently for review. At the end of the day, although baby teeth are important, you can be thankful that the injury wasn't more serious or to his permanent teeth. I know of a couple of older kids who've lost adult teeth through accidents & sadly their only option currently is a denture.

[Eatriskier]

DD has a smallish chip from one of her front teeth, which has deadened the tooth. Dentist told us that if its not causing any discomfort (press on it and see if he flinches) then its ok. The problem is that it could have damaged the adult tooth behind it, but they can't tell until that domes through. But her chip is on the base of her tooth and the deadening was the first thing we'd noticed (she'd had an accident at nursery and we didn't notice the chip until the tooth discoloured) so perhaps at that point it wasn't worth it. If you get there early enough then they may do something.

[DontstepontheMomeRaths]

My DS chipped his front tooth at a very young age. The dentist had a good look but didn't do anything. She said at his age they'd need to put him to sleep to do anything and it would need to be done elsewhere. So she felt as long as he wasn't in pain to leave it. She said some parents opt to have it removed if it goes black but she didn't do caps etc on such a young child.

See your dentist and see what they say. I suspect some dentists suggest/ do different things but I'm no expert.

My DS is 5 and still has his chipped tooth, I've got used to it now. It's part of him but it won't be long before it's replaced by an adult one.

[Mrsmorton]

Pickel, she sure can have treatment before she's 18. Don't let her go through school with a tooth that looks less than perfect. It can be rebuilt using composite (white filling) to look unnoticeable. This is one of my specialties! (Not a specialist, just something I'm good at and love doing). Go back to your dentist or get a second opinion. She can't have a veneer or crown until 18+ but these should be last resort anyway.

Your dd also has permanent incisors whereas ops child is 3. Impossible to do this treatment on such young children because of the need for moisture control.