In children, falls or impacts can cause primary front teeth to become embedded in the jawbone (intrusion), tilt forward or backward (luxation), or erupt completely (avulsion). The greatest risk in this situation is damage to the developing permanent tooth germ (bud) just below the root tip of the primary tooth. In clinical management, a dental X-ray is taken immediately to examine the distance and angle between the primary tooth root and the permanent germ. If the primary tooth is embedded inwards and the root tip is pressing towards the permanent tooth, that primary tooth should be extracted immediately to prevent permanent shape and discoloration (Turner’s tooth). If the root tip is pointing in the opposite direction, towards the lip, the tooth is left free and allowed to erupte on its own for 1-3 months. During this process, the child should be fed soft foods and the area should be kept very clean.
