A primary incisor has disappeared after a fall. What must you distinguish?
Distinguish intrusion from avulsion, and account for the tooth before deciding treatment.
- Examine the socket and soft tissues; obtain dental imaging if the tooth was not brought in to exclude complete intrusion.
- If the tooth remains missing, arrange emergency medical evaluation, especially with respiratory symptoms or concern for aspiration.
- Do not replant an avulsed primary tooth. Review at 6–8 weeks and around age 6 for successor eruption.