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Daughter's Incident Resulting in Tooth Loss

7/14/2025, 5:40:19 AMMale25-34

My daughter had a mishap where she fell and injured her mouth. After the incident, we rushed her to the emergency room, where they examined her and ultimately discharged us for the night. The doctors informed us that one of her teeth had been pushed deep into its socket. They prescribed some Motrin for pain relief and scheduled a follow-up with a dentist for the following morning. I find myself anxious about letting her sleep, fearing that her teeth might dislodge and pose a choking hazard. Surprisingly, she isn’t showing much distress; instead, she seems quite proud of her appearance and has been eagerly sharing the news with anyone interested. She’s displaying a remarkable level of bravery, far exceeding mine. Since the fall, she hasn’t had much appetite—only managing a few sips of water. I’m curious about what lies ahead and how to best prepare for it. Will all the damaged teeth need to be extracted, or is there a possibility they can be salvaged? Is surgery a likely necessity? While they referred us to a facial surgeon, I noticed it was labeled as a dental appointment on the paperwork after arriving home. I’m also concerned about how this may affect her adult teeth in the future. Unfortunately, the ER staff wasn’t able to address my concerns thoroughly, leaving me uncertain about what tomorrow will bring.

Internal MedicineEndocrinologyRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/14/2025, 5:40:34 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel anxious after your daughter's incident, especially when it involves her teeth. It sounds like she’s handling it well, which is great to hear. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect next and how to support her.

Main Points:

  1. Her dental follow-up is critical for assessing the extent of the injury.
  2. Pain management and maintaining hydration are essential right now.
  3. Monitoring her eating and overall discomfort is important.

Explanation:

When a tooth is pushed back into its socket, it can sometimes be repositioned successfully, but the treatment depends on the injury's severity. The follow-up appointment with the dentist will determine if the damaged tooth can be saved or if extraction is necessary. Big decisions such as surgery will also depend on the dentist’s findings.

Your worries about the potential for choking are valid but don’t fret too much; generally, if the tooth isn't loose or causing distress, she’s likely safe. Monitoring her and supporting her comfort is key.

Next Steps:

  1. Pain Management: Continue giving her the prescribed Motrin as directed, especially since she might experience discomfort as the day goes on.

  2. Hydration: Encourage her to drink small sips of water. If she's willing, you might try offering soft foods like yogurt or smoothies that are easy to eat and can help with energy levels.

  3. Dental Follow-Up: Prepare a list of questions for the dentist. Ask about the chances of saving the tooth, the need for surgery, and how it may affect her adult teeth.

  4. Monitoring: Keep an eye on her for any signs of increased pain, swelling, or bleeding. If these occur, it will be important to seek dental care immediately.

  5. Support & Reassurance: Reassure her that it’s perfectly normal to feel unusual about her appearance after such an incident. Validate her feelings and bravery while gently encouraging her to express any discomfort or concerns.

As you await the dental appointment, try to stay as calm as possible. If you have more specific concerns or if her condition worsens, don’t hesitate to seek further guidance. You're doing a wonderful job supporting her through this time!

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