Life-Threatening Emergency?
Is It an Emergency?
If your child faces a dental emergency, give us a call immediately. If you need urgent treatment after hours, please call our office and you will be directed to the after-hours on-call dentist. We are always here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk. If you feel that you or your child are in a life-threatening situation, please call 911 immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, it’s best to get the tooth re-implanted within 30 minutes if possible. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. If clean, place it back in the socket—if dirty or fractured, put it in a cup with milk or saliva and get to the dentist quickly. For baby teeth, do not try to re-implant—see the dentist to check for additional damage.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
Bring your child to the dentist as quickly as possible to evaluate the trauma. Chips and fractures compromise the protective enamel, allowing bacteria to enter and potentially cause infection. For larger fractures, immediate treatment may be needed to maintain the tooth’s vitality. If you can find the tooth fragment, bring it with you.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Give appropriate dosages of Tylenol or Motrin for discomfort. Check the area for any fractured tooth fragments that may be embedded.
Toothache
Check for a possible source of pain such as food impaction, an erupting tooth, or a cavity. Try brushing and flossing to dislodge stuck food. Rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress if swollen. Use Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for pain. Do not apply aspirin directly to gums.
Jaw Injury
If your child receives an injury to the jaw, take them to the emergency room for immediate care, then come to our office as soon as possible. The dentist will check for fractures in the jaw and perform a dental exam to locate any secondary fractures in the teeth.