AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question Hello,
My son's gum (above one of his two front teeth) suffered trauma in the
playground about 3 weeks ago after running into a fence. The bleeding was
significant and I immediately took him to the hospital. As the tooth was still
firmly in place and there was no damage to the tooth, they suggested no
further action be taken other than rinsing with warm salt water which for a
few days to prevent infection. Part of the gum which was cut, is still missing
(exposing more of the front tooth) and I have just noticed that the tooth is
beginning to darken. He is eating normally and does not seem to be sensitive
or in any discomfort. Could you please advise your thoughts?
Answer Robyn - Of course, without examining him I cannot be sure, but he could either have just a bruising within the tooth causing the discoloration or the nerve of the tooth is dying from the trauma. You don't say how old he is, but if he is young and these are baby teeth or even permanent teeth, you need to take him to a pedodontist, children's dental specialist, for an evaluation. This is not an emergency, but he should be evaluated soon.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
