Emergency Treatment
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but not all situations require immediate attention. However, some cases do need urgent care, and Dr. Rich and his team are available 24/7 to help when accidents happen—because we know kids’ mishaps don’t follow a schedule.
Common pediatric dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue. While some issues, like minor chips or mild discomfort, can wait for a scheduled visit, others, such as a knocked-out tooth or intense pain, need to be addressed right away to prevent further complications. No matter the situation, we're here to guide you through it.
What to Do If Your Child's Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure their comfort and safety. Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth should not be replanted, as doing so can damage the underlying permanent tooth. Here’s what you should do:
1. Comfort Your Child: Reassure your child and check for any other injuries, such as cuts or bruises.
2. Apply Pressure: If there’s bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the area until the bleeding stops.
3. Rinse the Mouth: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area.
4. Save the Tooth: If possible, bring the knocked-out tooth with you to the dentist, as it can help in assessing the injury.
5. Contact Us: Call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. While a knocked-out baby tooth is not a dental emergency, it’s still important to have Dr. Rich examine your child to ensure there’s no damage to the surrounding teeth or gums.
What to Do If Your Child's Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, quick action is crucial to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Here’s what you should do:
1. Find the Tooth: Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root to prevent damage.
2. Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap. Avoid touching the root.
3. Reposition the Tooth: If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Have your child bite down gently on a piece of gauze or cloth to hold the tooth in place.
4. Keep the Tooth Moist: If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist. Place it in a container of milk, or have your child hold it inside their cheek, making sure not to swallow it. If milk isn’t available, use water or a tooth preservation solution if you have one.
5. Seek Immediate Care: Call our office or head to the nearest emergency room right away. Time is critical—ideally, the tooth should be re-implanted within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Remember, Dr. Rich and our team are here to help you 24/7. Don’t hesitate to reach out in the event of a dental emergency,