Emergency Pediatric Dentistry
Emergency Pediatric Dentistry in Lexington, KY
As a parent, you never want to see your child in pain. Unfortunately, pediatric dental emergencies can occur. In many cases, the difference between saving and losing a tooth depends on taking the proper action in the immediate aftermath of an injury. For all dental emergencies, it is important to take your child to the dentist as soon as possible. Any issues involving swelling that affects vision, swallowing or breathing should be elevated to the Emergency Room.
At Star Kids Dentistry, we care about your child’s comfort and want to ensure they remain pain-free. If your child faces a dental emergency, please call us immediately. We can schedule your child for an emergency appointment as early as the same day or the next business day.
What’s Emergency Dentistry?
According to the ADA, dental emergencies are potentially life-threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding or alleviate severe pain or infection. A pediatric dental emergency is best evaluated by a Pediatric Dentist in a clinical setting.
Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child’s permanent tooth. You should schedule your child for an emergency pediatric dental appointment when you notice any change in the child’s eating, brushing, sleeping patterns that the child mentions are caused by a dental issue.
Here are some common pediatric dental emergencies we’ve treated here at Star Kids Dentistry:
- Cracked or broken teeth: It is no secret that children are more prone to falling, and these types of accidents can result in a cracked or broken tooth. In most cases, the front teeth are most likely to sustain the injury. If your child has a cracked or broken tooth, you need to immediately call your child’s emergency dentist.
- Knocked-out teeth: If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, do your best not to panic as this will only alarm your child more. If it’s a permanent tooth, recover the tooth but don’t touch the roots! Try your best to handle the crown only (the portion of the tooth visible in the mouth), lightly rinse it of any debris and try to place it back into the socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring it with you to your emergency appointment. If it’s a baby tooth, don’t try to replant the tooth. Bring the baby to the dentist as we’ll need to make sure that the entire tooth has come out and rule out any other injuries to surrounding teeth or bone.
- Severe toothache: A toothache can range in severity from a minor complication to a major issue. Sometimes, the pain is caused by something as simple as a piece of food stuck in your child’s tooth! Examine their mouth for food, remove it with dental floss and rinse it thoroughly with warm water to clean it out. If this isn’t the reason for the toothache, your child could be suffering from a cavity, abscess, or another issue and requires emergency dental treatment.
- Tooth sensitivity: It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little sensitive when drinking or eating something very warm or very cold. However, extreme sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious issue, and it’s best to schedule an emergency visit to your dentist. Your dental team will be able to examine your child, determine the root cause of the issue, and help treat it.
- Lost filling or crown causing pain: If your older children have crowns or fillings, these can become loose, dislodged, or lost altogether, causing pain. When this happens, it’s best to schedule an emergency visit with Dr. Jackson right away.
How to Avoid a Pediatric Dental Emergency
You can help your little one to avoid dental emergencies by following these tips:
- If your kid plays contact sports, have them wear a mouthguard.
- Don’t let your child chew on ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, non-food objects, or other hard foods.
- Use gates to block stairways and dangerous areas from young children.
- Prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits to our office twice a year.
What isn’t a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental issues qualify as dental emergencies. If your child has a chipped tooth or minor toothache, they can wait a few days for treatment. If you aren’t sure if your child needs emergency dental care, call us, and Dr. Jackson will advise you and tell you what steps you should take to protect your child’s teeth and gums while waiting for dental treatment.
How Can I Manage My Child’s Pain?
Give your child the recommended dosage of Tylenol OR ibuprofen based on the child’s age and weight.
Emergency Children’s Dentist in Lexington, KY
If you’re looking for a team of dental professionals that you can count on to deliver unparalleled support and medical attention during your child’s dental emergency, Star Kids Dentistry is the best choice! We take dental emergencies seriously and will ensure your child receives treatment as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!