Dental Emergency FAQ
What to do if your child has a DENTAL EMERGENCY
The best answer is CALL US AT 707-763-1548 RIGHT AWAY. If a dental emergency occurs during business hours we will do our best to get your child treated immediately. If you need to contact us outside of normal office hours, we always have a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist on call to provide guidance in your child’s particular situation.
The following questions and answers can assist in what to do immediately following a dental trauma. Remember, ALWAYS call us right away at 707-763-1548.
Q: What should I do if my child's PERMANENT tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth. Do not scrub it or do not clean it with soap. If possible, place the tooth in a clean container with saliva or cold milk and call us immediately. The sooner we can access the trauma and provide treatment, the chances of saving the tooth are much higher!
Q: What should I do if my child's BABY tooth is knocked out?
A: Do not attempt to place the tooth back into the socket. This can cause potential damage to the developing permanent tooth.
Q: What if my child's tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if the lip was also injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: CALL 9-1-1! You need immediate medical attention. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.
Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Over-the-counter children's pain medication, dosed according to your child's weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face near the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
Q. Why should I take my child to the dentist for emergency dental care instead of going to the ER?
A: While the physicians in the emergency room are skilled at treating health emergencies, dental care is not their specialty. They can triage any problem your child has by helping to stop the bleeding, but they will not be able to restore a damaged tooth. Likewise, if you take your child to an emergency room due to dental pain, they can provide your child with pain relief; they cannot find out what is causing the pain and work out a plan to solve it. That’s where we come in!