If your child is experiencing a dental emergency contact our pediatric dental office immediately. If it is after our office hours, an answering service will contact the dentist on call.
Call (407) 434-0267
Dental emergencies can occur at the most inopportune time and can be traumatic, especially for very young patients. The soft tissues of the mouth are prone to excessive bleeding, adding to your child’s anxiety at the time of the emergency. The first step is to calm the child and help them to relax so that the situation can be evaluated more clearly. Immediately placing a cold compress on the impacted area can calm the child, reduce discomfort and lessen bleeding or swelling.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
We will advise you on how best to proceed and make every effort to see emergencies as soon as possible when deemed necessary. There are a few things that can be done at home to minimize permanent damage before we can see you in our office.
- Tooth pain: sudden or sharp tooth pain can have a range of possible causes and should be addressed by Dr. Miller as soon as possible in case infection is present.
- Chipped or broken tooth: after contacting our office, use a cold compress as needed to address pain and swelling. Have the patient rinse their mouth with water to remove debris and anything that could lead to an infection. If possible, locate and bring the tooth fragment to our office.
- Knocked out baby tooth: if a primary tooth is knocked out, contact our office immediately. Comfort the patient and minimize side effects with a cold compress on the outside of the cheek. There is no need to locate and bring it with you to our office as primary teeth are not replanted.
- Knocked out permanent tooth: contact our office immediately and try to locate the lost tooth. Comfort the child with a cold compress and rinse the mouth with water. If the tooth can be located, place back into the socket if possible. If not, place the tooth in a clean container of cold milk. We will do everything possible to save the tooth and replant if conditions are favorable for a stable result.
Protecting Your Child’s Teeth
Dr. Miller offers custom-made sports mouthguards for superior protection when participating in contact sports. Wearing a mouthguard will protect the teeth, gums and any oral appliances in place.
Routine dental care can also play a key role in avoiding dental emergencies related to a sudden infection or advanced decay. Keeping the smile healthy and clean also supports the long-term integrity of your child’s teeth.
Parent Resources
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers great resources for parents and caregivers. Below is an infographic on tips for common dental emergencies that can be printed out at home and placed in an easy to see location.
