Accidents can happen at any time. Knowing how to respond is crucial, especially when it comes to your child's oral health. Whether it is a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury or a toothache that appears after dessert, emergency dentistry plays an important role in preserving the smile and comfort of young patients. However, it is up to the parents to respond quickly and reach out to the dentist right away.
Let’s take a look at how emergency dentistry can make the situation a little less frightening for everyone involved.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
In a nutshell, emergency dentistry is all about the immediate treatment of dental issues that require urgent care. These may include pain, infection, and trauma that stem from sports, accidents at home or school, or even dental issues that were left untreated.
Working with a trusted pediatric dentist when these moments arise can not only protect your child’s oral health and development but also relieve discomfort quickly.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Pediatric dentists see all types of dental emergencies, though some happen more frequently than others, such as:
- A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Chipped or fractured tooth
- Dental abscess
- Toothache
- Trauma-based loose tooth
- Cuts or injury to the cheek, lip, or tongue
The severity of these emergencies will dictate the next step your pediatric dentist will take.
When You Should Seek Emergency Dentistry
It can be tough to determine whether or not you are dealing with an actual dental emergency. After all, certain situations, such as a soft tissue cut that is bleeding, could leave you feeling as though you need to take action right away. However, rinsing the mouth and applying pressure could stop the bleeding in just a couple of minutes, allowing your child to see the dentist at the next available appointment during business hours.
So, how do you know if it is an emergency? The following are signs that treatment should be sought without delay:
- Swelling in the face and jaw
- Persistent and severe tooth pain
- Trauma to the mouth and teeth
- Bleeding that will not cease
- Signs of infection, such as pus and a fever
If you still aren’t sure, do not hesitate to give your pediatric dentist a call. Explain the situation and let the experts guide you on the next step. This prompt attention may help prevent additional damage, reduce pain, and even increase the chance of saving a tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
If your child has an avulsed permanent tooth, take action immediately, as time is of the essence. Handling it by the crown only, rinse the tooth gently and place it back into the socket, a glass of milk, or your saliva, as a last resort. Call the dentist right away to save the natural tooth.
Are baby teeth dental emergencies as serious as permanent teeth?
Yes—baby teeth have a special purpose. When they fall out due to trauma or become infected, it can hurt your child’s speech, chewing, and even the teeth around it. Always seek dental care for baby teeth.
Emergency Dentistry at Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry
At Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we take emergencies seriously. We understand that those moments can be scary, and we want to be there to support you and your little one.
Should you find yourself dealing with an emergency, contact us right away at any time. If it is after hours, listen to the instructions provided and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
In case of a life-threatening or serious emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
