Dental emergencies can strike when least expected. While some incidents are minor, others, like a knocked-out permanent tooth or bad toothache, require prompt treatment. It’s challenging to keep our children safe at all times, especially if they’re involved in sports. Unfortunately, this means avoiding dental emergencies is not always possible.
At Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, our emergency dentists in Orland Park are here for you and your family. If your child is in pain or has suffered a dental injury, contact us now to schedule an appointment.
When emergencies occur, knowing what steps to take can help protect your child’s oral health in the long run. Continue reading to learn more about when to seek out emergency dental care.
Identifying A Dental Emergency
Understanding the nature and severity of a dental injury or other emergency will help you protect your child’s dental health. It’s important to know whether you should rush your child to the ER or call your pediatric dentist in Orland Park when there’s an accident. Some issues can be addressed at home, while others necessitate an emergency dental visit.
Here are a few common types of dental emergencies kids often face:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: If your child bites or cuts their tongue, lip, or cheek, this can qualify as a dental emergency. Apply ice and gentle pressure to help stop the bleeding and reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, visit the emergency room.
- Broken Brackets & Wires: Occasionally, braces can be damaged by hard or sticky foods. Usually, this isn’t something to be overly concerned about and a same-day appointment isn’t necessary. However, if a broken wire or bracket is causing your child pain, you’ll want to schedule an emergency dental appointment. In the meantime, use gauze or cotton to cover the irritating portion of the appliance.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: If your child breaks, cracks, or chips a tooth, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. The tooth should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the injury from getting worse. Until you can get to the dentist, gather any broken tooth fragments to prevent a choking hazard. Be sure to bring the fragments with you to the dental office.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, contact your pediatric dentist right away. The sooner you come in, the more likely it is they’ll be able to save your tooth. In the meantime, handle the tooth gently by the crown and try reinserting it into its socket. If that’s not possible, place it in a container of milk and bring it with you to the dentist.
- Prolonged Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth: It’s normal to see a little blood after losing a baby tooth. However, if after applying pressure the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, you should take your child to the emergency room.
- Foreign Object Stuck Between Teeth: If your child has food or another object stuck between their teeth or under the gum, it can cause pain, oral tissue damage, and even infection. Have your child rinse their mouth out with water and use floss and a toothbrush to try and remove the object. If it isn’t budging, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Potential Broken Jaw: Any signs of a broken jaw warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room. Wrap a scarf or towel around your child’s head to keep their jaw still while traveling to the hospital.
A Trusted Pediatric Emergency Dentist in Orland Park, Illinois
In a dental crisis, it’s comforting to know you have a reliable pediatric dentist just a call away. If you’ve been searching for an emergency dentist near Orland Park, IL, contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry today. We are committed to addressing all of your child’s dental health needs.
Our staff is experienced with dental emergencies of all kinds and skilled at managing stressful situations. Call our office at (708) 448-6700 if your child has suffered a dental injury or is experiencing tooth pain. We also provide general dentistry services, such as dental cleanings, exams, dental X-rays, cavity fillings, and more.
