We have a dentist on call, 24/7. If you are experiencing a dental emergency after business hours, please call our office and leave a message with our emergency service. The on-call doctor will reach out to you shortly afterwards.
Dental emergencies are common during childhood. Some situations are true emergencies, others situations are urgent in nature but do not necessarily need same day treatment.
*Please keep in mind: For any dental emergency or trauma that involves loss on consciousness or neurological symptoms, you should immediately bring your child to a children’s hospital.
Loss of an adult tooth due to trauma
The prognosis of this type of injury is directly related to the actions taken immediately following the accident. This is an emergency. In the event an adult tooth is lost from your child’s mouth, you should take the following steps.
- Keep your child calm
- Find the tooth
- Pick up tooth by the crown (do not touch the root) and gentle wash the root off with cold water (for a maximum of 10 seconds)
- Attempt to replace the tooth back into your child’s mouth as best as possible. Have them bite on a washcloth to hold the tooth into position
- If this is not possible for any reason, or if your child is unconscious and requires other medical attention, place the tooth in a glass of milk or “hanks tooth solution” or “hanks balanced storage medium” or saline.
- Seek emergency dental treatment immediately.
Swelling of the face, neck or mouth
Sometimes teeth that have deep cavities or teeth that have been previously injured can be the source of an infection. There are different types and severities of these infections.
If your child is experiencing localized swelling inside the mouth that appears as a bubble or a pimple, this is likely a dental abscess. This is an urgent situation, sometimes can lead to an emergency, and you should contact your dentist immediately. Most likely we will recommend an antibiotic and a follow up appointment for dental treatment.
If your child is experiencing facial swelling, especially one that is approaching their eyes, neck or throat, you should contact your dentist or PCP and be ready to potentially bring them to an emergency room if recommended. This type of swelling is dangerous due to proximity to organs and the airway.
