Emergency Dentistry for Children & Adolescents
If your child suffers a dental injury or is suddenly experiencing unexpected pain, such as a mild, moderate, or severe toothache, a dental abscess, or maybe they cracked a tooth playing their favorite sport, emergency care is necessary to restore functionality and dental health.
In the event of a dental emergency, you can call on Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry to see your child on short notice. We will provide prompt instructions on how to handle the situation until you can get into the office. We also offer same-day emergency dental care and a variety of restorative procedures.
Please contact us right away to set up an appointment if your child is in need of emergency dental care in Oak Lawn, IL.
Identifying A Dental Emergency for Kids and Adolescents
Despite how hard we try to prevent our children from getting injured, accidents do happen, and when your child suffers from a dental injury, it can be frightening. However, being prepared and knowing how to assess an injury can make all the difference in the outcome, and help you and your child remain calm.
When an injury occurs, it is important to be able to determine if the situation requires an emergency room visit, an emergency dental appointment, or if the injury can be treated at home. If your child is in severe pain or a permanent tooth has been damaged, you should seek professional aid.
When in doubt, please reach out to Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry so we can help you determine the next steps.
Common Dental Emergencies & How to Address Them
Injured Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
When your child has injured soft tissue near or inside their mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, or tongue, you can apply ice to reduce bruising and swelling. If your child is bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure to the area, and bring your child to the emergency room if bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes.
Broken Braces or Wires
If your child has braces, broken or loose brackets and wires are rarely something to be concerned about, unless your child is in pain. If the broken portion of the braces can be easily removed, remove it to avoid a choking hazard or other injury. If some piece of the broken appliance is painful or sharp, use something to cover protruding edges (such as chewing gum or cotton) and make an emergency appointment with your dentist.
Broken Tooth
If your child has chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken a tooth, schedule an emergency dental appointment with our team. Collect any broken tooth fragments and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling around the affected area.
Knocked Out Tooth
If your child prematurely loses a baby tooth, chances are you can schedule a dental appointment for another day and there will be little, if anything, that needs to be done.
However, if your child knocks out a permanent tooth, it is vital you visit the dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, never the root end, then rinse it without handling it too much, and try reinserting the tooth into its socket.
If it cannot be reinserted, you can ask your child to tuck the tooth between their gum and cheek and hold it there. (Only do this if your child is old enough that you can trust they will not swallow or choke on the tooth.)
You can also use a clean piece of cloth or gauze and have someone hold the tooth in its socket until you reach the dentist. Finally, you can also put the tooth in a small container of milk if it cannot be held in the mouth for any reason.
Excessive Bleeding After Losing A Baby Tooth
Bleeding after losing a baby tooth is normal and can be stemmed by applying gentle pressure to the area. However, if the bleeding does not cease after 15 minutes, you should seek emergency medical attention for your child.
Object Caught Between Teeth
An object or piece of food that is either stuck between your child’s teeth or under the gum line may need to be removed by a dental professional in some cases. If left untreated, any foreign objects that are caught in the mouth can lead to pain, infection, and become a choking hazard.
Gingival & Tooth Abscesses
A dental abscess of any variety can be extremely painful and damaging to a patient’s oral health; if left untreated, they can even be life-threatening. Signs of a dental abscess include sore gums or tooth pain, or an inflamed bump anywhere on the gum tissue. Contact your dentist immediately if you are concerned your child has a tooth or gingival abscess.
Broken Jaw
If you think your child has suffered from a broken or dislocated jaw, visit the emergency room immediately. You may tie your child’s mouth closed with a towel or necktie in order to support the jaw and prevent pain and further injury.
A Pediatric Dentist Near Oak Lawn, IL – Emergency Dental for Kids
If you are searching for a reliable dentist that addresses numerous types of kids dental emergencies, look no further than Chicago KiDDs Pediatric Dentistry. Our team is dedicated to ensuring our patients stay healthy and happy, which means we are here for your family if and when you find yourselves in the middle of a dental emergency.
Contact our children’s dentist near Oak Lawn, Illinois to arrange a same-day appointment if your child has suffered a dental injury.
