Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When Your Child Needs Immediate Attention

July 18, 2025

Dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye—especially with active kids. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from a fall, a severe toothache, or a broken filling, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference.

At Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in urgent pediatric dental care. Here’s your go-to guide on recognizing dental emergencies and taking the right steps to protect your child’s smile.

When Is It a Dental Emergency?

Children often experience bumps and bruises, but not every dental issue is an emergency. Here are signs that require immediate attention from your pediatric dentist:

A knocked-out permanent tooth
Cracked or fractured teeth
Severe, persistent toothache
Bleeding that won’t stop
Swelling or abscess
Soft tissue injuries (gums, cheeks, lips)

In all of these cases, it’s essential to call your dentist right away. Our dental emergency team is here to help when minutes count.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies and What to Do

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

Hold it by the crown (not the root)
Gently rinse it with milk or water—do not scrub
Try placing it back into the socket, or store it in a cup of milk
Call us immediately

Baby teeth that are knocked out should not be reinserted, but you should still contact our team.

2. Toothache

If your child complains of pain:

Rinse the mouth with warm salt water
Use a cold compress on the outside of the face
Do not place aspirin directly on the gums
Book an appointment for diagnosis—this could indicate decay, infection, or trauma
We provide gentle sedation options to make emergency care more comfortable.

3. Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water
Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
Save any broken tooth fragments
Schedule an emergency visit

Depending on the severity, we may recommend dental crowns or fillings.

4. Swelling or Abscess

This may indicate a serious infection. Watch for:

Fever
Facial swelling
Sensitivity to touch
Bad taste in the mouth

Infections require prompt treatment—possibly a pulpotomy or even a root canal.

How We Handle Pediatric Dental Emergencies

At Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s comfort and safety are our priority. Our team is trained in emergency response and pediatric sedation techniques to deliver compassionate, quick care—even for anxious little ones.

Preventing Future Emergencies

While not every dental mishap is avoidable, some precautions help:

Use custom mouthguards during sports
Practice good daily hygiene
Visit your pediatric dentist regularly
Address early orthodontic needs to avoid misalignment-related trauma (learn more)

Save Our Emergency Number

We recommend keeping our contact info handy—post it on the fridge or save it in your phone under “Dental Emergency.”

📞 Contact Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry
⏰ Same-day appointments available when possible.

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