If you have suffered a dental emergency take these actions immediately following the incident. It could mean the difference between a minor repair and one that is very serious resulting in permanent loss or worse of your tooth! If you feel that your child has suffered a serious injury – call 911 immediately. Please see some tips below for common pediatric dental emergencies.
The Knocked Out Tooth or Teeth
The most important thing to remember about a knocked out tooth or teeth is how to preserve them, especially if you are dealing with a permanent tooth. The key is to keep it moist or damp. Before you pick it up make sure that you can do so from the top of the tooth, not the bottom of the tooth as you could touch and damage the roots. If you can easily put the tooth back in the socket, do so. If this is not possible, place it back in your mouth between your cheek and gums. If that makes you quiverish, you can also store it in a glass of milk.
The Cracked Tooth or Teeth
A cracked tooth is not as serious as a knocked out tooth, but it still requires an emergency dental visit. As soon as you are able, rinse your mouth out with warm water. You should rinse your mouth until you can no longer see blood. Once your mouth is clean, apply a clean, cold compress to the area to limit the amount of swelling and pain that may be suffered.
In either case involving these dental emergencies, you should call us and get to the dental office as soon as possible.
Do You Have Other Questions About Pediatric Dental Emergencies?
If it is a serious emergency, please call 911. Otherwise, contact our office right away for help.