Dental emergencies are never anticipated events, and they can be frightening. If your child is in need of emergency dental care, the dental team at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry is prepared to see you on short notice.
Parents always try to prevent accidents, especially those that affect the health of their children. When your child suffers a lost or broken tooth due to a sports injury, or they have a bad toothache that comes on suddenly, you want to be able to call on a reliable pediatric dentist in Chicago Ridge or Palos Hills as soon as possible. It is also important to know how to assess certain injuries, so you can best handle them when they occur.
Assessment
If you know what kind of dental emergency you are dealing with, then you will know whether or not the situation can be treated at home. If your child needs to see a dentist, or visit the emergency room, discerning which measure to take is important.
Seeking the advice of an experienced children’s dentist in Palos Hills, IL will help you assess any situation. However, learning how to identify these occurrences and respond properly is important to your child’s health. Continue reading for more information on common types of dental emergencies.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Cut or Bitten Soft Tissue – Such as Lips, Tongue, or Cheek
If your child has suffered a cut or bitten lip, tongue, or cheek, apply ice to any bruised areas. Apply firm, gentle pressure to stop bleeding. Watch the clock to determine if the bleeding continues for longer than 15 minutes. If bleeding does not stop, you should bring your child to the emergency room.
- Broken Braces or Wires
Broken or loose brackets or wires on braces is not an uncommon occurrence. If there is no pain or discomfort, it is usually not necessary to visit the dentist immediately. However, if a broken appliance is causing pain or is difficult to remove, you may use wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum to cover sharp edges. Make a dental appointment as soon as possible to avoid further injury.
- Broken Tooth
For a broken, severely chipped, or cracked tooth, it is best to make an emergency dental appointment. Before the appointment, apply a cold compress to the facial area around the damaged tooth. Also, collect broken tooth fragments, and rinse the area with warm water.
- Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked out baby tooth is usually not a cause for concern. However, you should make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up following this kind of accident.
If an adult tooth is knocked out, you should try to save the tooth by locating it and picking it up by the crown (never the root end). Rinse it gently without handling it too much and avoid scrubbing.
Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place until you get to the dentist. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk and bring it to the dental office.
- Extended Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth
Excessive bleeding that lasts longer than 15 minutes may require a visit to the emergency room. Contact your primary care physician or Chicago KiDDS immediately for professional advice. If in doubt, visit your nearest hospital.
- Possible Broken Jaw
Immediately visit your nearest hospital and go to the emergency room. If necessary, you may be able to gently tie a scarf or towel around your child’s head to support the jaw on your way to the hospital.
One of The Best Pediatric Dentists Near Chicago
If you are searching for emergency dental care near Palos Hills, Chicago Ridge, or other nearby areas, contact Chicago KiDDS today. No matter what accident may have occurred, our team of professionals is here to help. Contact us online or call us at (708) 448-6700 to schedule an appointment.
