Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we are here to guide you through common pediatric dental emergencies, offering care, advice, and peace of mind when your child needs it most.

If your child has experienced a dental emergency, call or text (954) 799-6212. We will explain how to deal with the situation and determine if you should be seen at our office or if you should proceed to the emergency room.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any situation where your child experiences severe tooth pain, visible damage such as a cracked or fractured tooth, or signs of infection like swelling or redness.

Here are some common dental emergencies and how to handle them:

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

• Baby tooth: Do not try to reinsert the tooth. Contact your dentist to determine if treatment is needed. An x-ray may be recommended to check for damage to the surrounding teeth or jaw. Depending on the situation (typically involving molars), a space maintainer may be needed to ensure proper alignment for future permanent teeth.
• Permanent tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse gently with warm water, and attempt to place it back in the socket. If this isn’t possible, store it in a container with milk or a clean cloth soaked in saliva or water, and contact your dentist immediately. Bring the tooth to the appointment. If it is after hours, proceed to your nearest emergency room. 

Fractured Tooth

• Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area and use a cold compress to minimize swelling. Save any tooth fragments in a clean container and contact your dentist immediately. X-rays are often needed to assess the extent of the damage, and treatment may vary based on the severity of the fracture. 

Toothache

• Rinse with warm water, floss to remove debris, and use over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed. A same-day appointment isn’t always necessary but you should still contact your dentist for further instructions. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

• A soft tissue injury refers to cuts, tears, or bruises to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Proceed to your nearest emergency department if bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes or if the injury is severe.

Facial Trauma

• Facial trauma refers to injuries to the face, mouth, or jaw that may result from accidents, sports, or falls. These injuries can range from bruising and swelling to fractures or more severe complications. If your child has experienced facial trauma, proceed directly to the emergency room.

Common Treatments for Dental Emergencies

Our team offers several treatments to address a wide range of dental emergencies.

Reposition and Splinting

When a tooth is knocked loose or pushed out of alignment due to trauma, it can be gently repositioned. 

Once the tooth is in its proper place, it is secured using a splint—a small bonded-retainer  that stabilizes the tooth while it heals. This treatment helps preserve the natural tooth and promotes proper healing.

Restoring the Shape of Teeth

For chipped or fractured teeth, restorative techniques are used to repair and rebuild the structure of the tooth. 

Depending on the extent of the damage, treatments may include dental bonding, dental crowns, or dental fillings. Restoring the tooth improves its appearance and ensures it functions properly.. 

Dental First Aid Kit: A Must-Have for Every Family

A well-stocked dental first aid kit can help you handle emergencies until professional care is available. Here’s what to include:

• Small, clean container: For storing a knocked-out tooth or fragments.
• Dental floss: To remove stuck objects.
• Reusable cold compress: To reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Pain relievers: Child-safe options for managing pain.
• Topical pain reliever: For temporary relief of toothaches, which is only recommended for children over the age of 3.
• Clean clothes: To clean wounds and control bleeding.
• Gloves: For hygienic handling of injuries.
• Small bag: Use a compact bag or pouch to store all items in one place, making it easy to grab during emergencies. 
• Keep this kit in a convenient spot like the glove compartment in your car or a drawer in your kitchen, so it’s always accessible during emergencies.

Printable Reference Table

Print this table and keep it with your dental first aid kit for quick guidance during emergencies:

Emergency	Immediate Action	Next Steps
Knocked-Out Tooth	Rinse tooth with warm water; store in milk or water	Contact your dentist immediately or proceed to the nearest ER
Fractured Tooth	Save fragments, rinse mouth, and apply a cold compress	Schedule a dental appointment
Toothache	Rinse mouth, floss gently, and use a pain reliever as directed	Visit the dentist if pain persists
Soft Tissue Injury	Apply pressure with a clean cloth and use a cold compress	Proceed to your nearest emergency department if bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes or if the injury is severe
Facial Trauma	Stabilize fractures, apply firm pressure to lacerations or open wounds	Go to the emergency room immediately

Emergency Dental Care at Akoya Pediatric Dentistry

We are dedicated to providing exceptional care when your child needs it most. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a fractured tooth, or another urgent dental issue, our team is here to help.

If your child has experienced a dental emergency, call or text (954) 799-6212. We will explain how to deal with the situation and determine if you should be seen at our office or if you should proceed to the emergency room.