Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies tend to come when you least expect them, leaving you feeling panicked and unprepared. Learn a little more about common dental problems kids experience to give yourself an idea of what to expect.

If you’re ever experiencing an emergency, give us a call right away. Even if it’s after hours, our voicemail will give you some instructions as to who to call and how to get help right away.

If your child is experiencing an urgent medical emergency (severe swelling, oral bleeding or a serious injury to the teeth or jaw), call 911 or visit the emergency room.

Common Children’s Dental Emergencies

Some parents wonder whether their child’s dental problem constitutes an emergency. If the problem is causing them pain and interfering with their daily life, it merits prompt attention.

Some of the emergencies children experience most often include:

• Broken or fractured tooth, from playing sports or roughhousing
• Knocked out tooth
• Toothache
• Sensitive teeth
• Lost filling
• Bitten lip or tongue
• Object stuck between teeth
• Orthodontic discomfort – poking, loose or broken brackets/wires or an orthodontic appliance

What to Do In the Case of a Dental Emergency

First off, call our office right away. If we’re in the office, we’ll be able to get you in to receive care or refer you to someone who will be able to see your child right away. If it’s after hours, our answering machine will give you instructions as to who to call and steps to take.

After you make the call, there are some measures you can take at home to make your child more comfortable.

• If your child has bitten their lip, cheek or tongue, gently clean the wound and apply a cold cloth to the area to stop bleeding and reduce swelling.
• If your child has an object stuck in their teeth, gently attempt to remove it using floss.
• If your child has chipped or broken their tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress. Save the fragment of tooth if possible.
• If your child has knocked out their tooth, seek medical attention immediately – the tooth can potentially be saved. Keep the tooth in a container with milk (avoid touching the tooth’s root), and bring it to the ER or our office.
• If your child has a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and check that there’s nothing stuck in their teeth. Apply a cold cloth and give them children’s pain relievers as recommended by the medication’s manufacturer.
• If your child has suffered a blow to the face or jaw and been injured, seek medical attention immediately.

We’re here to help with any emergency, whether big or small – get in touch for assistance as soon as a problem arises.