What To Do in A Dental Emergency
If your child has a dental emergency, the first step is to determine whether immediate medical care is needed.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if your child has;
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe facial swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Suspected broken jaw
- Serious head or facial injury
These situations require urgent medical attention.
For all other dental emergencies such as tooth pain, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, or mouth injuries, call your dentist for next steps.
Our Dental Emergency Protocol
If your child is a patient on record at Happy Little Chompers, we will do our best to see them as quickly as possible. Call the office and our team will speak with you directly. In many cases, we may ask you to send a photo of the affected area so Dr. Ford can better understand what is happening.
From there, we will talk you through the next steps. Some situations can be managed at home temporarily, while others may require you to come in for imaging, an exam, or treatment.
(707) 429-5450After Office Hours
Our office shares on-call coverage with three other offices, so a doctor is always available to guide you. This after-hours service is available for patients who have an established record with one of the offices in our group.
When you call our office, our voicemail will provide a number that connects you with a 24-hour answering service. The operator will then connect you with one of our on-call doctors.
If your child needs to be seen, emergency visits are triaged based on severity. Some children may need to be seen within the hour, while less urgent concerns can be scheduled during regular hours.
Common Dental Emergencies and How To Deal With Them
Quick action during a dental emergency can help reduce discomfort and prevent further complications. Below are common dental emergencies and steps you can take right away.
Toothache
Rinse the mouth with warm water and gently floss around the area to remove any trapped food. Give your child a pain reliever like Children’s Motrin or Children’s Tylenol to help make them more comfortable. Avoid placing aspirin or heat on the gums. If there is swelling, a cold compress can help soothe the area.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling. If your child is young and can’t handle a cold compress/ice, have them suck on a popsicle. If there is bleeding, use gentle pressure with gauze or a clean wash cloth. If the bleeding does not stop, seek medical care.
Tongue bites/lacerations will heal most of the time with application of ice/popsicles and Motrin for pain and to help reduce swelling.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water but do not scrub. If possible, try to place it back into the socket. If you cannot, keep it moist in milk or saliva and seek dental care immediately.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Do not attempt to reinsert the tooth. Control bleeding with clean gauze and apply a cold compress if needed. While this is not usually an emergency, your child should still be seen to assess the area and determine if further treatment is needed.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
Small chips may not require immediate treatment but should still be evaluated. If a large portion of the tooth is broken, the tooth appears cracked, or there is pain or sensitivity, seek dental care. These situations may require prompt care to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
Possible Jaw Injury or Bite Feels Off
If your child had a blow to the jaw or face and their bite suddenly feels different or their teeth no longer line up, keep the jaw as still as possible and seek immediate medical care.
Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency
Having a few basic supplies at home can make a stressful situation easier to manage. Being prepared allows you to act quickly and confidently when something unexpected happens.
A simple dental first aid kit may include:
- Clean gauze
- A small container with a lid
- Saline or clean water
- Dental floss
- Cold packs
- Your dentist’s phone number saved and accessible
Insurance & Payment Information
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and will submit claims on your behalf. If you have questions about your specific coverage, please contact our office and our team will be happy to help. We provide treatment estimates before care begins and accept cash, major credit cards, and tap-to-pay options.
FAQ
What counts as a pediatric dental emergency?
A dental emergency may include trauma to the teeth or mouth, significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or a knocked-out or broken tooth. If you are unsure, it is always best to call the office.
How quickly can my child be seen for a dental emergency?
Emergency visits are triaged based on severity. Some children may need to be seen right away, while others can safely wait for a scheduled visit during office hours.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
Yes, after-hours calls for our patients are directed to an answering service that connects you with an on-call doctor for guidance.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If it is a permanent tooth, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call right away immediately. If it is a baby tooth, do not reinsert it and contact the office for next steps.
Is there an emergency kids dentist in Fairfield, CA?
Happy Little Chompers provides prompt, child-centered emergency care. If your child is an existing patient, call (707) 429-5450. If your child is having difficulty breathing, has severe swelling or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.