A dental emergency can be a frightening experience. But they are not uncommon, and if your child experiences a dental emergency or an orthodontic emergency, you’ll want to know what to do. Read on to learn what constitutes an emergency, and what to do if your child experiences a dental emergency.
Dental Emergencies Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
If your child has suffered an injury to the mouth that resulted from hitting their head they need to seek emergency medical treatment. Head injuries are very serious, and your child needs to be evaluated at an emergency room. Likewise, if your child is experiencing uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth, seek medical care right away.
Dental Emergencies that Warrant a Trip to the Dentist ASAP
Several dental emergencies need to be treated immediately.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If your child has a permanent tooth knocked out in an accident or fall, pick up the tooth by the crown of the tooth, using care to avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth with water ONLY if it has a lot of dirt and debris, and try to place it back in the socket. If it does not seem to fit in the socket or you are not confident which direction the tooth goes, put the tooth in a small cup of milk, contact your dentist, and head straight to your child’s dental office or emergency room.
Cut on the Tongue, Gums, Cheek
If your child has cut their tongue, gums, or inside of their cheek use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure. If the bleeding is uncontrolled, go to the ER. If the bleeding is controlled, contact your dentist, and head to their office.
Severe Toothache
If your child complains of pain in a tooth, notify your pediatric dentist, who will prioritize your child’s care.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth is an emergency. If part of the tooth has broken off, and you can find it, bring it to the dental office. Notify your pediatric dentist that you’re on your way.
Broken Braces Wire
If your adolescent or teen is wearing braces, and the wire snaps, contact your orthodontist and notify them that you are coming. Without treatment, this orthodontic emergency can result in a cut in your child’s mouth.
Dental Emergencies that Require an Immediate Call to Your Pediatric Dentist
Some incidents may not require immediate care, but you should call your dentist right away, to receive their advice.
Chipped Tooth
If your child chips a tooth, you should call the dentist right away, and ask for advice. Depending on the severity, they may wish to treat your child immediately or may recommend you bring your child in over the next few days.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown is a dental emergency, and you should call your child’s dentist to ask for advice. In many cases, you’ll be advised to go to the office as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth
If your child has one of their baby teeth knocked out, contact your pediatric dentist for guidance. Baby teeth should NOT be placed back into the socket. They may wish to treat you immediately, or they may provide you with tips for keeping the socket clean until you can get into the office for a checkup.
Pediatric Emergency Dental Care and Emergency Orthodontic Care in Maplewood, NJ
If your child or teen has a dental emergency or orthodontic emergency, contact Marigold Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today at 973-821-7161. We are open until 6:00 pm Monday- Thursday. If your emergency happens after hours, you may call us and follow the instructions provided in the message. If you are worried, or if your child is in pain, it is best to head to the local emergency room.