Dental emergencies

Little accidents can lead to knocked out or broken teeth for little ones. Knowing how to best handle a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Whether you are new to our practice or a valued existing patient, you will receive prompt and compassionate care for your child’s dental emergency. We encourage you to call at the first sign that something is wrong so that we can help your child wear an EverGrins grin again.

When your child is experiencing a dental emergency, you can trust Dr. Pham. Even if your child has a dental emergency after hours, we are here for you! In the event of an after-hours dental emergency, Dr. Pham can be reached by calling the office. The emergency number for the doctor on call will be on the outgoing message. Please call the emergency number provided and leave a message with your name and phone number with a short message. The doctor will try to call back as soon as possible.

Dental emergencies

Common dental emergencies

Rollover a common dental emergency below to learn more. If you suspect an urgent medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1 or take your child to an emergency room.

Toothache

We never want to see your child in pain! A consistent toothache will require a visit to the dentist. We will help you determine what your child needs to feel comfortable again. In the meantime, try to clean the aching area thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and/or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. Give your child what you would normally give them for pain, such as Tylenol or Motrin.

Chipped Tooth

If a tooth is fractured and the nerve is not exposed, the tooth can be bonded, and both esthetics and function can be restored. Save the tooth, or the pieces of tooth, if possible, and we will get to work on restoring your child’s smile. Wrap the pieces in a wet gauze or cloth if possible. If the nerve is exposed, the nerve needs protection to lessen the likelihood of the tooth becoming non-vital. If the tooth becomes non-vital, root canal therapy can be performed at a later date.

Cuts & Bites

If your child has cut or bitten their tongue, lip, or cheek, first clean the affected area gently with a clean washcloth. Apply ice to affected or bruised areas. If there is bleeding on the affected area, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze, washcloth, or wet towel. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, or it cannot be controlled by gentle pressure, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite/cut is.

Swelling/abcesses

If your child is experiencing swelling or what you think may be an abscessed tooth, apply a cold compress to the affected area and call our office as soon as possible to get in for an examination with Dr. Trang Pham. The causes of tooth swelling/abscesses can be numerous. Whatever the cause, it can be a serious issue that is often the result of bacterial infection that requires immediate attention. We want to alleviate that discomfort and get your child back to feeling 100% as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth

If a baby tooth is knocked out do not try to place it back in the mouth. Replanting a primary tooth can lead to the risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth. Instead, let the child place the tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy and give them a cold treat, such as a popsicle. This will lessen the swelling and slow any bleeding. Although it is normal for children to lose baby teeth, it is still important to call for an exam, as an accident may cause injury to the adult tooth underneath.

Knocked Out Adult Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may gently rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. If it is sound, try to reinsert it into the socket ASAP. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing cold milk or in patient’s mouth. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.