Emergency Dental Care for When the Unexpected Happens
When an unexpected dental injury occurs, or your child is suddenly complaining of a sore tooth, these situations often qualify as dental emergencies. During an emergency, it’s important to be able to assess the situation and take steps to protect your child’s smile. You also need a dentist you can rely on to provide treatment as quickly as possible.
When you need help from qualified pediatric dentists in Palos Heights, IL, Chicago kiDDS is your source for emergency dental care. Whether your child has suddenly developed a toothache or suffered an oral injury, you can call our office for same-day dental services.
Addressing a Dental Emergency
It can be frightening when your child suffers an injury of any kind, especially a dental injury. Deciding whether you can treat a problem at home or should visit an emergency room is a critical distinction to make.
If you are unsure of how to handle a dental emergency, our dedicated team at Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry is always here to help. Many worried parents have called us seeking advice and to schedule same-day appointments. We provide emergency dental care to kids in Palos Heights, IL, so you’re always able to protect your child’s oral health.
What To Expect During an Emergency Appointment
If you’re in the middle of a dental emergency, contact us immediately to schedule a same-day visit. We’ll typically start with examining your child’s teeth and taking dental X-rays, depending on the injury.
After diagnosing the problem, we’ll determine the best course of action and discuss options with you. Our team will make sure you’re fully informed so you can make the best choice for your child.
After deciding on a plan of action, we will begin dental work as quickly as possible. Our first objective is to relieve pain and swelling, followed quickly by careful treatment to prevent further injury.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
You should always seek professional attention if your child is in severe pain or at risk of losing a permanent tooth. Other situations may simply call for ice and over-the-counter pain medication or a next-day appointment.
Regardless, if your child suffers a dental injury or sudden oral discomfort, call us right away. Our team at Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry will be happy to help.
Below are some common dental emergencies you may encounter:
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Injured Lip, Tongue, or Cheek – An oral tissue injury can be minor or severe. Apply ice to bruised areas and if your child is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding lasts for 15 minutes, or the injury might need stitches, bring your child to the emergency room.
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Broken Braces – If your child has traditional braces, it’s not uncommon for brackets or wires to break or occasionally come loose. If your child has no pain or discomfort, a same-day visit may not be necessary. Contact your dentist for further instructions.
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Broken Tooth – Kids are active, so they often fall down and get scrapes and bruises. However, a mouth injury can be dangerous to their dental health. If your child’s teeth are protruding or simply crooked, a minor accident is more likely to result in a cracked or chipped tooth.
For any break, you will need to schedule a same-day dental appointment. Collect all broken tooth fragments to ensure your child does not choke and bring them with to the dentist.
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Lost Permanent Tooth – A knocked out tooth is a serious dental concern, especially if it’s an adult tooth. Pick the tooth up by its crown, not the root end, and rinse the tooth in clean water, handling it as little as possible (do not scrub the tooth). Then, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place until you get to the dentist for emergency treatment. Only do this if it is an adult tooth.
If you can’t reinsert it, put the tooth in a small cup of milk or your child’s saliva for transport. The sooner you can bring your child to the dentist, the more likely it is that their tooth will be saved!
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Toothache – Very few people can say, “I’ve never had a cavity.” Unfortunately, tooth pain is one of the worst feelings a person can experience. If your child is suffering from a toothache, they may have a deep cavity that requires immediate treatment.
Contact our office as soon as possible and our team will determine the cause of your child’s tooth pain.
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Excessive Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth – Your child may experience some minor bleeding after losing a baby tooth, which is normal. However, if bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, you should call your pediatric dentist for advice and plan on a possible emergency room visit.
As soon as bleeding starts, use a folded piece of gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure to the area for 10-15 minutes.
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Dental Abscess – A bump on your child’s gum can indicate they have an infection that has caused an abscess. Dental infections require immediate medical attention, and if left untreated can cause serious health issues for your child. Call our pediatric dental team immediately if your child has a bump anywhere on their gum tissue.
If any of the above situations occur, or your child experiences another type of dental emergency, our skilled dentists at Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment in Palos Heights, Illinois!
Pediatric Emergency Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL
From dental emergencies to children’s teeth cleanings, we’re committed to making every dental appointment as positive and comfortable as possible. Contact us online or call (708) 448-6700 today to schedule an appointment at Chicago kiDDS!
