An Emergency Pediatric Dentist – Chicago & Palos Heights
Despite how much we try and prevent them, accidents do happen from time to time. As a parent, when your child suffers from a mouth injury or other dental emergency, it can be frightening for both you and your child. That is why Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. While we cannot prevent accidents from happening, we can help you prepare for them and provide emergency dental care when necessary.
What Constitutes A Dental Emergency
Some pediatric dental emergencies can be treated at home, while others require professional attention or even hospital care. Below, you will find information that will help you assess the situation when and if your child ever suffers a dental injury.
When in doubt, Chicago KiDDS is always here to offer sound, ready advice, as well as medical treatment. Feel free to call us whenever you need to ask questions or schedule an appointment.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Cut or Bitten Soft Tissue (Lip, Cheek, or Tongue)
In situations where your child has bitten or cut their lip, tongue, or cheek, apply ice to the bruised areas and firm (but gentle) pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding exceeds 15 minutes, you should bring your child to the emergency room.
- Knocked Out Adult Tooth
If your child has lost a permanent tooth, pick the tooth up by its crown (never the root) and rinse it with clean water. Handle your child’s tooth as little as possible. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place until you arrive at your dentist. If it cannot be reinserted, bring it with to the dental office in a shallow container of milk.
- Broken Braces – Brackets or Wires
Broken brackets and wires are common. You do not always need to schedule a same-day dental exam when this occurs, especially if the broken appliance can be easily removed. If you do remove the broken piece or pieces, bring them to the dentist. If the broken piece(s) are painful or causing abrasions, use wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum to cover sharp edges until you can see your kids’ dentist near Palos Heights.
- Broken Tooth
A broken tooth will usually require an emergency dental appointment, even if it is just a chip. Rinse the area with warm water before your child’s appointment, and apply a cold compress to the affected outer area. Make sure to remove any pieces of broken tooth so your child does not choke on them or inhale them.
- Toothache
Severe tooth pain is not normal. If your child has a sudden or severe toothache, contact our office for an emergency appointment. They may need a root canal, or have a cracked tooth or infection.
- Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth
It is normal to experience some bleeding after losing a baby tooth. However, if the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, you should call your dentist and go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.
- Broken Jaw
If you think your child may have a broken jaw, head straight to your nearest emergency room. On your way, you can hold your child’s mouth loosely closed with a handkerchief, towel, or necktie wrapped around their head.
One of the Best Pediatric Dentists in Palos Heights, IL for Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but the more you know about them the better you can make the situation for yourself and your child. If you are searching for an emergency dentist in Palos Heights, Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry is here for you. We are committed to making sure your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong throughout their lives. Contact us immediately at (708) 448-6700 to arrange a same-day appointment if your child has suffered a dental emergency.
