Nobody decides to have a dental emergency, and it can interrupt your schedule without warning. Whether your child has a toothache or has had a tooth knocked loose, call us right away for emergency dental treatment. We will work to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell when you need to see a Dentist right away, when you can wait for a day or two, or when you need to head to the emergency room. If you experience any of the following, call us right away:
A permanent tooth is knocked out. If possible, hold the tooth by the crown and gently set the tooth back into the socket. Otherwise, keep it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to our office. If a baby tooth is knocked out it cannot be placed back in the mouth, but a thorough examination should be performed on the area of injury.
A broken tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress. Eat soft foods only until you have seen the Dentist.
A chipped tooth. If it is an adult tooth, try to save the piece of the tooth if possible, and place it in a glass of milk.
A bite on the cheek or lip that won’t stop bleeding. Start by cleaning the bite with a cloth and using a cold compress. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call us as soon as possible.
A severe toothache. Floss around the tooth and call our office. This is especially important if any swelling of the gum tissue is associated with the toothache.
Any swelling of the face or cheeks due to dental infection. This is a serious complication that can cause fever, illness or difficulty breathing if left untreated.
A few things that indicate a needed trip to the emergency room include:
A broken jaw. Don’t wait to be seen for this serious injury. A broken jaw can cause complications with the rest of the facial structure and needs to be seen by a surgeon.
Any serious lacerations to the face or mouth. The ER is best suited to help you if you need x-rays and stitches.
An abscess that affects your breathing. If you can’t breathe, head to the emergency room as soon as possible.
WE CAN SEE YOU SOON
We understand an emergency can interrupt your plans, which is why we do everything we can to see your child as soon as possible. We can often get you in for a same-day appointment.
Our team can put your child at ease during their emergency visit. With a friendly and compassionate staff and our sedation dentistry options, your child can have a comfortable emergency dental treatment.
CALL US RIGHT AWAY!
Don’t hesitate to call us when your child has a dental emergency. Our team is ready to help! We will work with you regarding scheduling, anxieties, and costs so your life has less stress.
FAQs
How do I know if my child has a dental emergency?
Call us immediately if your child experiences severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out permanent tooth, broken tooth, facial swelling, or trauma to the mouth. These symptoms can’t wait and often require same-day pediatric dental care to prevent complications.
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Try placing it back in the socket. If not possible, keep it in milk and call us right away. Time matters – prompt care increases the chance of saving the tooth. Do not replace baby teeth.
When should we go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?
Go to the ER for difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, a suspected broken jaw, or severe facial trauma. These require urgent medical care. For tooth pain, cracked or knocked-out teeth, swelling, or oral injuries, contact our office for same-day pediatric dental treatment.
What if my child has facial swelling or tooth pain?
Facial swelling or severe tooth pain often indicates infection and requires immediate care. Call us right away. If swelling impacts breathing or causes fever or lethargy, go to the emergency room. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications and relieve discomfort quickly.
Can you help anxious children during dental emergencies?
Yes. We specialize in helping anxious and fearful children feel safe. Our gentle approach, calm environment, and sedation options help ensure a stress-free visit – even during emergencies. We focus on comfort, reassurance, and fast relief to make the experience as positive as possible.