When a dental emergency happens, it can be overwhelming, especially when it involves a child. Whether it’s a sudden fall, a painful toothache, or a chipped tooth after an afternoon at the park, knowing what to do (and who to call) can make all the difference.
At Naranja Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help you navigate urgent dental situations with prompt emergency examinations, gentle treatments, and calm, compassionate care.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency includes any situation that involves pain, bleeding, swelling, or injury to the teeth, mouth, or jaw. Not every issue is urgent, but some situations require immediate attention to protect a child’s health and smile.
Signs your little one may need an emergency exam include:
- Severe tooth or jaw pain that doesn’t go away
- A knocked-out, cracked, or broken tooth
- Bleeding from the mouth that’s difficult to control
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Signs of infection, such as fever or pus around a tooth
- Injuries to the lips, tongue, or cheeks from a fall or accident
If you’re unsure if something is an emergency, give us a call. We’ll guide you through the next steps.
What Happens During a Pediatric Emergency Dental Exam?
During an emergency visit, our priority is to ease discomfort, assess the injury, and begin treatment as soon as possible.
We’ll gently examine the mouth, take X-rays if needed, and explain what’s going on in simple, clear terms. Depending on the situation, treatment might happen right away, or we may recommend follow-up care.
Throughout the process, we make sure children feel safe and supported. You’ll be kept informed as well, and we’re always available to answer questions.
Will the Exam Hurt?
We do everything possible to keep kids comfortable. Our team uses gentle techniques, child-friendly explanations, and, when necessary, safe local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. For many, just knowing help is on the way brings a sense of relief.
What If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
If a baby tooth is lost due to trauma, don’t try to put it back in place. Contact us right away so we can examine the area and make sure no damage was done to the surrounding teeth or gums.
If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it with water (don’t scrub), hold it by the top, place it in milk or a clean container, and bring it to our office as quickly as possible. The sooner it’s reimplanted, the better the chances of saving it.
How to Prevent Pediatric Dental Emergencies
- Have children wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities
- Keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Avoid giving hard foods like popcorn kernels or ice
- Childproof areas where trips and falls might occur
- Teach safe habits like not running with objects in the mouth
