Emergencies & Prevention
Any medical emergency is scary, and when it comes to dental emergencies, most of us have little frame of reference to figure out how to deal with them. If you are unsure if something is an emergency, contact us. If it is a clear emergency and your child needs immediate treatment, visit the ER. Below are some simple guidelines on how to deal with dental emergencies.
What To do
Give us a call or visit our Post-Op care section if your child is experiencing dental pain that you believe is related to recent dental treatment. Call 704-577-1900
Chipped, Knocked-Out or Fractured Tooth
The best course of action involves a rapid response in order to save a tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the likelihood of more extensive dental procedures. We advise that you call us immediately! In the meantime, we encourage you to make an effort to find any broken tooth fragments or tooth that has been knocked out.
Seek to handle the tooth only by the white part (the crown) instead of the root. If the tooth has gotten dirty, rinse it under cold water for a maximum of ten seconds. Do not attempt to scrub the tooth or use any cleaner. Do not take the step of washing the tooth unless it is clearly necessary because it is important to handle the tooth as little as possible.
If it is possible, make an effort to reseat the tooth in its proper place and have your child bite gently on a towel or handkerchief. This action will aid in keeping the tooth in position. If it is not possible to put the tooth back in its socket, put the tooth inside of a clean container along with some milk and some of the child’s saliva. Bring your child and his tooth to our office right away! If the tooth is going to be saved, time is a critical factor.
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, we recommend contacting our South Gaston Pediatric Dentistry office. In the meantime, look inside your child’s mouth and try to find where it hurts. You can ask your child to show you the exact spot. Check for any food or other stuff that might be causing the pain. Sometimes, it could be because a baby tooth is about to fall out or a new tooth is coming through. Also, look for any holes or cavities in the teeth.
If your child’s face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the area and call our office right away. Swelling from dental issues is severe and could be due to an abscessed tooth that needs immediate attention.
- If you can’t come to the office right away, here are some simple things you can do for temporary relief:
- Please have your child rinse their mouth gently with warm or salt water.
- Try to remove any food causing discomfort.
- Use a cold compress (never heat) on the painful area.
- Based on age and weight, give appropriate doses of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Don’t put aspirin directly on aching teeth or gums, as it can cause severe burns.
- Even if the pain goes away, please don’t forget to bring your child to the office for an assessment to prevent future pain.
Jaw Fracture
Don’t hesitate to dial 911 in an emergency situation! If possible, take your child to the emergency room as quickly as you can. A jaw fracture is a serious injury that needs immediate medical attention to prevent any potential problems and reduce pain.
Ways to Prevent Dental Injuries?
When it comes to oral injuries, the best way to treat them is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. To reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring, we suggest the following:
- Have your child wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing contact sports; it both protects the teeth and reduces the chances of a brain injury/li>
- In the car, keep your child in a child safety seat until they outgrow the seat according to the limits specified by the manufacturer and make everyone in the vehicle wear the seatbelts at all times.
- Childproof your home so your child is less likely to fall and injure themselves on objects
- Come to us for twice-yearly checkups
Our main concerns are your child’s well-being and safety. If you’re in the South Gaston, NC, area and need more information or are facing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to provide the information and assistance you need.
