When your child experiences a dental emergency, you may feel panicked and unsure where to turn. You may not know whether a dental injury or toothache is urgent or can wait until your next appointment. Fortunately, our practice offers same-day care for pediatric dental emergencies. You may also call our office after hours so we can assess your situation and provide care if needed. There is always a doctor on call and available.
Which dental injuries require urgent attention and which can wait for a scheduled appointment? We hope this guide helps put your mind at ease and provides key information to help you through this difficult situation.
True Dental Emergencies
Knocked-out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth
If your child loses a permanent tooth or if it becomes partly dislodged, this situation requires immediate dental attention.
Here are steps you can take to help save your child’s tooth and increase the chance that we can reimplant it:
- Find the tooth and any broken pieces.
- Avoid touching the tooth’s roots. Gently rinse it in water while holding the crown.
- If possible, replace the tooth in the socket. If that doesn't work, keep the tooth in a small container of milk, saliva, or an over-the-counter solution like Save-A-Tooth.
- Call us immediately for help. The sooner you arrive at our office with the tooth, the more likely we are to replant it. Action within the first 30 to 60 minutes is most effective.
Persistent, Throbbing Tooth Pain
If this pain does not respond to over-the-counter medication or supportive home care like ice packs, please call our office immediately.
Oral Infections or Abscesses
If you find redness, swelling, pus, or a pimple-like growth on your child’s gums, these symptoms could indicate an infection. Abscesses can spread to the gums, bone, and other healthy teeth and need immediate attention.
Oral Trauma
Children are more prone to oral trauma since they are so much more active than adults. Falls and sports injuries are two of the most common causes of oral trauma. If you cannot control the bleeding, if the jaw is involved, or if your child has severe lacerations, your first stop should be the emergency room before calling us.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth may seem like a problem that can wait, but any break can expose the tooth’s pulp and lead to severe pain or infection. If your child’s tooth breaks, save the pieces and bring them to the appointment.
Primary Tooth Lost or Dislodged Due to an Injury
If a primary tooth is damaged, we will want to check and ensure the underlying permanent teeth haven't been affected. This situation is less difficult than losing a permanent tooth, but should still receive prompt attention.
Emergent Dental Issues That Can Often Wait for a Business-Day Appointment
As a parent, you know your child best, and you know when a situation could be more serious than it seems. Call our after-hours number if you have any doubt about whether your child needs immediate care.
These situations can usually wait:
- Mild toothache: If the toothache only bothers your child a little and doesn't interfere with eating, sleeping, or relaxing, call us the next business day. Your child may have the beginning of a cavity or another minor issue.
- Teething pain: Use home care measures like cold teethers or over-the-counter medications, and then call us if you have concerns.
- Minor chip or fracture: If the chip or fracture is not large and the pulp chamber is not exposed, we can typically wait to see your child.
- Small cuts or bites to cheeks or lips: If you can easily control the bleeding, we can see you on a business day.
- Broken orthodontic appliances: Apply dental wax to any sharp edges and call during open hours. If your child sees another orthodontist, bring the matter to their attention for a prompt repair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry for Children
Other than over-the-counter medication, what can I do to help my child feel better when they have a toothache or oral injury?
Cool compresses on the outside of the cheek often soothe injuries and swelling. You can also try a gentle warm compress for a toothache if that feels better for your child.
What should I do if something becomes wedged in between my child’s teeth and causes pain?
First, rinse the mouth gently with water. Try to remove the object with dental floss, using gentle motions. Do not use any sharp-edged implements such as the pointed end of a floss pick. If the pain persists, call us for help.
If my child’s tooth chips, how would you fix it?
For a minor chip, we can often bond the broken piece back in place using safe composite resin material. If we can’t use the broken piece, we can restore the tooth with bonding material alone and make it look healthy and natural.
What happens if the tooth’s pulp chamber is exposed?
The tooth will need a pulpotomy (for a primary tooth) or potentially a root canal (for a permanent tooth). Both procedures treat infections and remove dead and dying nerve tissue from inside a tooth, restoring comfort and preserving the tooth’s natural structure.
Can the emergency room treat most dental emergencies?
Emergency rooms do not typically keep dentists or oral surgeons on staff. You will want to take your child to the emergency room first if the jaw or any other bones are damaged or if you cannot control any bleeding.
New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry cares for your child’s smile both during and after hours. If your child experiences a dental emergency, we are here to help soothe their discomfort and reassure you that we can protect their oral health. Contact us to reach our after-hours service or schedule a regular appointment today.