What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Posted October 26, 2020

Instilling upon children at a young age that oral health and hygiene is very important, and making sure a routine is followed reduces the risk of developing problems that require extensive treatment later on. While you may be following good habits, keep in mind that dental emergencies such as chipped, cracked, broken, or even knock-out teeth, can occur at any given time. While experiencing an event such as this can be frightening and you may not know what to do, know the team at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, Texas know just what to do in the event of an emergency and are ready to help.

If Your Child’s Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Oftentimes, rambunctious playing can lead to injury, and having a tooth knocked-out could very well be the result of one of these events. If this is to occur, it is important to schedule an emergency visit with our office as soon as possible. Before attending, you will want to collect the tooth that has been dislodged and run it under warm water. Make sure to be conscious of the tissue that may be attached to it, and try to preserve it if possible. You will want to preserve the tooth in a sealed container with warm salt water or milk, and bring it with you to your child’s appointment. From there, the dentist will be able to let you know what can be done.

When You Should Act

During an emergency, you will want to act as soon as possible. But what constitutes an emergency?  Typically, circumstances warranting immediate action include problems that may cause severe discomfort or swelling, or those that will require immediate attention to protect an oral structure from severe and serious damage. These can consist of a broken tooth, minor bleeding, a dislodged or knocked-out tooth, or even debris stuck between teeth that cannot be dislodged with floss.

What to Expect

When experiencing one of the above scenarios, know that it can be frightening. The important thing to note is not to panic, and to act with efficiency. If there are teeth fragments or oral structures missing from the mouth, gather them to bring with you. Know that your child is also in pain, so bringing along a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, or another comforting device may help to make him or her feel an added sense of comfort. Following procedures, we can perform check-ups as well to ensure your family is taken care of.

Immediate Emergency Dental Care

At Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda, we recognize that accidents happen and immediate service may be needed, which is why we offer our assistance in emergency dental matters for your family. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marr in our Dallas, Texas office, contact us by calling (214) 321-4880 today.