There is nothing more frightening as a parent than when your child is experiencing pain, sickness, or an emergency. Dental emergencies are especially scary since they can include a knocked-out tooth.

As your pediatric dentist, we understand that emergency situations require an immediate response and sometimes same-day care. We are here for your child, and we encourage you to contact us even if you are unsure it’s an emergency. We’re here to help, and we can provide guidance over the phone and same-day appointments if needed.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

When you know what to do during a dental emergency, it’s easier to remain calm, and this will help your child feel more at ease. Here are some common dental emergencies and what you can do until you reach our office:

• A toothache: Tooth pain is likely indicating decay or an infection in your child’s tooth. Contact our dental office right away so we can assess your child.
• A broken or fractured tooth: Depending on the severity of the fracture, we may be able to bond your child’s tooth back together, even if it’s only temporarily.
• A knocked-out primary or baby tooth: If your child loses a baby tooth, it’s a good idea for your pediatric dentist to assess the situation. Treatment may or may not be needed.
• A knocked out permanent tooth: An adult or permanent tooth that is knocked out must be treated right away since the window of opportunity to save it is small. Get to our dental office as soon as possible and use milk to transport the tooth safely if it can’t be replaced into its socket.

When Is a Dental Extraction Needed?

There may be some circumstances where extracting or removing a tooth is the best treatment for your child. Those situations are:

• Tooth decay that is severe and larger than what a dental filling or crown can repair
• Periodontal disease in an advanced stage that has caused an infection
• A fractured or broken tooth
• A tooth affected by trauma or an accident

We always recommended dental extractions as a last resort, and you can rest assured that if it's needed, it is to protect your child’s oral health and well-being. We make every effort to ensure your son or daughter’s comfort if extraction is necessary, and we’re here to guide you through the recovery process from start to finish.

Avoid Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies such as those caused by tooth decay or an infection could likely have been avoided with regular dental checkups and cleanings. These preventive appointments protect your child’s oral health and allow you to treat dental concerns such as tooth decay early on with less invasive procedures.

Contact our dental office if you think your son or daughter may be experiencing an emergency.