Partial Fingertip amputation two days ago

Dear Ask The Doctor: I cut my fingertip two days ago, and would have cut completely through except that the fingertip is still attached to my nail. I don't think bone was hit. The cut is from third the way down the fleshy part, on a upward diagonal to 1 to 2mm from top of nail. I have applied saline solution and bandaids, covered with muslin cloth to add padding. My question is, is the tip likely to die and fall off? it seems 'stuck on' but the edges are not meeting very well, and should I change the bandaid each day? I've read conflicting things re letting the severed bit try to reattach by changing dressings only every 4-5 days. thank you

Dear Jodi: The outcome depends on the extent of traumatic damage to the fingertip and whether surgery is required. Small wounds to a fingertip's skin and pulp usually close on their own with complete healing within three to five weeks, in your case the amputation was partial and no bone was exposed, so hopefully it will attach back. I recommend Ice, elevation, and have it checked out by a doctor. If the injury involved a cut, medical evaluation is particularly important  in order  to check whether or not a tetanus shot, antibiotics or other treatment is required, even if stitches aren't needed.