My son was hit in mouth playing basketball--should he go to the hospital for loose teeth?

Exam : It would be a good idea to visit a dentist . If after hours most er have a oral surgeon on staff

Evaluation is Needed: If teeth are loose, have your son evaluated. Gently place cold pack to area 20 min. On & off while you wait, to reduce swelling. If any knocked out, wash gently, see if you can get it back in the socket & if not, place in zip-lock bag with milk or water to keep it moist. Loose teeth may need splinting & need followup weekly for a while. Bite problem may mean a jaw fracture, if so get seen at hosp.

Oral surgeon/ortho: If your son has lip lacerations as well, an oral surgeon should be contacted. If the teeth have moved somewhat and are loose, go see someone who does this work everyday, an orthodontist. Under local anesthesia i move teeth back as close as possible and then put braces on with elastic wires to complete the correction and to splint the teeth healthfully.

Possibly: Someone should be contacted immediately - your family dentist would be a good first source of a recommendation.

Your dentist!: Hospitals in my experience do not handle these problems w the latest protocols. General dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons are your best bet!

To the dentist: Hospitals are for emergency treatment only if his in massive pain or bleeding. But the dentist well be able to examine those loose teeth , evaluate them and plan a treatment according to the severity of the trauma to those teeth.

Depends: Are there any other injuries besides the teeth? Neck pain? Lost of consciousness? Etc. If so, the er is the first place to visit. If your son is fine and the only issue is loose teeth then yes a dentist will be the best doctor to see.