Dental Emergencies

If your child has suffered a blow to the head, has lost consciousness, or any other life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. If your child faces a dental emergency, call us as soon as possible.

Download the app “Tooth SOS” created by the International Association of Dental Traumatology to help you handle any dental emergencies.

Also, see below for some tips on dealing with urgent dental situations.

1. Knocked out teeth (permanent)

If your child knocks out a PERMANENT tooth, this is a dental emergency. Try not to touch the root of the tooth. Gently rinse the tooth under running water. Attempt to put the tooth back in its original place, despite the bleeding. To keep the tooth in place, close the mouth with a clean napkin or facecloth between the upper and lower teeth. If the tooth cannot be placed back into the mouth, put the tooth in milk. Call our office.

2. Facial swelling

If you notice facial swelling or a swollen cheek, please call our office immediately. However, if facial swelling approaches the eye or is causing your child to have trouble breathing, this is a medical emergency and you need to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

3. Knocked out teeth (baby)

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, we can’t put it back in the mouth. The priority is to not damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Rinse your child’s mouth and have them bite on a cold washcloth. Call our office to see if an appointment is needed.

4. Broken teeth (filling)

A broken tooth or filling is not an emergency, but it does require treatment. If your child breaks or chips a tooth try to find the broken piece and store it in milk as we may be able to reattach the broken piece. Call our office to make an appointment.

5. Loose or moved teeth

The treatment of a loose or moved tooth will depend upon the severity of the tooth movement and if the tooth is a baby or permanent tooth. Call our office to make an appointment.

6. Cut lip, tongue or cheek

Bleeding from soft tissues should be controlled using pressure with damp gauze or a clean damp facecloth. Seek medical/dental care according to the severity of the injury. Call our office to make an appointment.