What to Do If Child Experiences a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can cast a shadow on a child’s day, disrupting their playtime and springtime smiles. Whether your little one is dealing with severe tooth pain, a sports-related dental injury, or a knocked-out tooth, our friendly dentists and team at Smiley Kids Dental are here to help. We proudly offer top-tier, compassionate emergency services to get your child’s smile on track as soon as possible.

Recognizing Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any situation that involves significant tooth pain or a chipped, fractured, knocked-out, or otherwise damaged tooth. It may also include an infection or tooth abscess that requires immediate treatment or a lost restoration, such as a tooth-colored filling or crown. 

What to Do If Your Child Experiences a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen when least expected, turning a normal day or a fun outing into a stressful ordeal. So save our number: (602) 858-8400 for easy access, and call us immediately if your child requires urgent dental care. Remember—a dental emergency or injury may not seem as serious as it actually is, so it’s important to seek immediate care to avoid complications. 

The following are some of the most common dental emergencies and care tips until you get to your child’s emergency appointment: 

• Severe Tooth Pain: Extensive decay, infection, or trauma can lead to severe, persistent pain, requiring immediate care. Have your child rinse with lukewarm water, floss to remove trapped food or debris, use cold compresses to relieve swelling, and call us for immediate care. 
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: A damaged tooth, especially one with a yellowish or pinkish hue inside, generally requires urgent dental care. Meanwhile, help your child rinse gently with clean water and use cold compresses to ease swelling or discomfort. 
• Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Pick up the affected permanent tooth by its crown without touching the roots, rinse it gently, and place it in a small container of milk. Seek immediate care. We do not recommend replanting a baby tooth to prevent infection or damage to the incoming permanent tooth, but it’s important to have your child evaluated to avoid any potential complications. 
• Dislodged Tooth: Dislodged baby teeth usually heal on their own, unlike dislodged permanent teeth that require immediate care. Use cold compresses to ease swelling or discomfort, and contact our office immediately. 
• Injured Soft Tissues: Gentle pressure can help control bleeding from the soft tissue, including the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks. If, however, your child’s bleeding is heavy and cannot be managed, head to the nearest ER for immediate care. 

Note: If your child experiences a severe injury or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for immediate assistance.

Emergency Dental Treatment Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If your child requires emergency care, contact Smiley Kids Dental for a same-day appointment. One of our experienced mom-dentists will evaluate your little one’s needs and help you determine the most conservative solution to relieve their discomfort and get their smile back on track. We are committed to providing care and service that not only meet but exceed your expectations. We invite you to call (602) 858-8400 to schedule your child’s appointment or request one online today.