Dental Emergencies

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, we are ready to help.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact our office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth. However, we recommend a thorough evaluation of the affected area.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do NOT scrub or clean it with soap – use only water. Try to avoid touching the root of the tooth as well – handle the tooth by its crown. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva, saline, or water (coconut water is a great alternative as well). Call our office immediately! The faster you act, the better your chances are of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compress to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the office.

What about a severe blow to the head or a jaw fracture?

You need immediate MEDICAL attention. A severe head injure can be life threatening. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital.

What if my child has a toothache?

Call our office to schedule a visit promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

What if my child has a canker/cold sore?

Canker/cold sores can be very painful to a child and be mistaken for a toothache. Carefully examine the area if your child is complaining of pain in the mouth. If a canker/cold sore is noted, it is self-limiting and should resolve in about 7-10 days. Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, please call our office.