Emergency Dentistry for Children & Adolescents
If your child suffers a dental injury or is experiencing dental pain, you should visit an emergency dentist in Oak Lawn as soon as possible. Whether they have a cavity or cracked a tooth while playing sports, emergency care can help restore their dental health.
In the event of a dental emergency, you can trust 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 dental care and numerous restorative procedures.
Please contact us immediately at (708) 448-6700 if your child is in need of emergency dental care in Oak Lawn, IL.
Identifying A Dental Emergency for Kids & Adolescents
Despite how hard we try to prevent our children from getting injured, accidents do happen. When your child suffers a dental injury, it can be frightening. However, being prepared and knowing how to assess the injury can make all the difference in the outcome for your child.
When an injury occurs, it’s 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 your next steps.
Common Dental Emergencies & How To Address Them
Injured Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
If your child has injured soft oral tissue, 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. 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. If the broken portion of the braces can be easily removed, remove it to avoid a choking hazard or other injury. If any piece of the broken appliance is painful or sharp, use something to cover protruding edges, such as chewing gum or cotton. Then, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Broken Tooth
If your child has chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, schedule an appointment with our Oak Lawn emergency dentists. 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, you can schedule an appointment for a check-up. Typically, there is little to be done when a child loses a baby tooth, even unexpectedly. However, a knocked out permanent tooth requires immediate attention.
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, never the root end. Rinse it without handling it too much. Then, try reinserting the tooth into its socket.
If it can’t be reinserted, use a clean cloth to hold the tooth in place until you reach the dentist. You may also put the tooth in a small container of milk for transport.
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 stuck between your child’s teeth or under the gum line may need to be removed by a dental professional. If left untreated, any foreign objects caught in the mouth can lead to pain, infection, and become a choking hazard.
Gingival & Tooth Abscesses
A dental abscess can be extremely painful and damaging to a patient’s oral health. If left untreated, they can even be life-threatening. Some signs of a dental abscess can include sore gums, sore jaw, tooth pain, fever, pus, or an inflamed bump on the gum tissue. Contact your children’s emergency dentist immediately if you’re 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 to support the jaw and prevent further injury.
Pediatric Dentists in Oak Lawn – Emergency Dental Care for Kids
If you’re searching for an “emergency kids’ dentist near me” in Oak Lawn, contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry. Our team is dedicated to ensuring our patients stay healthy and happy. We’re always here for your family if and when you find yourselves in the middle of a dental emergency.
Why Choose Us
We address all types of kids’ dental emergencies and offer comprehensive dental care. That means you can depend on our dentists for everything from damaged tooth repair to dental cleanings in Oak Lawn, IL.
Contact our emergency children’s dentist in Oak Lawn today to arrange a same-day appointment!
