What To Know About Emergency Dentistry
When kids play sports or are active, there is always the risk of a chipped or cracked tooth. We want you to take actions to help kids avoid dental emergencies, and bring them to us for treatment to avoid complications should an emergency happen! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about emergency dentistry for kids.
When Kids Need Emergency Dentistry
When do we recommend an emergency dental visit for kids? Essentially, any time there is damage to the teeth or gums, this is a dental emergency that needs attention. For example, a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, or one that is knocked loose or out completely. You should see us if a filling or crown is loose or missing, or if something is caught between teeth that floss cannot remove. Even if the issue occurs outside of normal business hours, we want you to call us so we can reach out with a time to see your child and offer repair. In the meantime, there are actions you can take to ease discomfort and limit the risk of complications until we can offer treatment.
Responding to the Dental Emergency
First, if there is bleeding you can stem this with a piece of cloth or gauze. A cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face could reduce facial swelling too. If a tooth is damaged, try to bring any pieces with you to the office, if they can be recovered. If a tooth is knocked out, then pick it up only by the crown, never touch the root, and place it in a sealed container of milk or salt water, and bring it with you. You can offer your child an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort. Try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks or items with danger, as the exposed tooth is likely very sensitive.
Protecting Smiles
Our team will carefully examine the smile and create a treatment plan. For example, we can use composite resin to address minor injuries, or place a crown. With crowns, with stainless steel options for the side and rear teeth, and more lifelike zirconia for the front facing ones. Our team could also discuss custom mouthguards to be worn during full contact sports, limiting the risk of damaged or knocked-out teeth. If you have any questions about emergency dentistry, or about how to protect your child’s smile, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk to Our Team About Safeguarding Little Smiles
Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda is ready to help address dental emergencies for little smiles. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our Dallas, TX, team today at 214-321-4880 today.
filed under: Dental Emergencies