Emergency Information
If your child has a problem requiring emergency attention, please call our office early in the day for an appointment. In the case of an accident, please call at once and we will make every effort to see your child as soon as possible. Early treatment of some emergencies can prevent more extensive treatment in the future. In the case of an after-hours emergency, please call the office and you will be prompted on how to contact us.
Below are guidelines for common dental emergencies:
What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The baby tooth should NOT be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.
What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown; try not to touch the root. (Do not scrub or clean it). If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with Tooth-saver solution, cold milk or saliva. Call the pediatric dental office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
Contact your pediatric dentist. Ibuprofen will help and a softer diet until you are able see the dentist. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office. The severity of a chipped tooth can vary so call your dentist to be evaluated.
What if my child has a toothache?
Call your pediatric dentist to schedule a visit to the office. To comfort your child, over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. If there is any visible swelling of your child's face, there is likely a dental abscess or infection; call the pediatric dentist or go to the emergency room promptly for an evaluation.
Can dental injuries be prevented?
Yes. Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouth guard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental check-ups provide your dentist an opportunity to discuss additional age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.
Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The baby tooth should NOT be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.
What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown; try not to touch the root. (Do not scrub or clean it). If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with Tooth-saver solution, cold milk or saliva. Call the pediatric dental office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
Contact your pediatric dentist. Ibuprofen will help and a softer diet until you are able see the dentist. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office. The severity of a chipped tooth can vary so call your dentist to be evaluated.
What if my child has a toothache?
Call your pediatric dentist to schedule a visit to the office. To comfort your child, over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. If there is any visible swelling of your child's face, there is likely a dental abscess or infection; call the pediatric dentist or go to the emergency room promptly for an evaluation.
Can dental injuries be prevented?
Yes. Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouth guard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental check-ups provide your dentist an opportunity to discuss additional age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.
