When it comes to dental emergencies, no one wants their child to be left without proper care. At Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our emergency dentistry services ensure that your child receives prompt and attentive treatment for any dental concern as soon as possible. Our Pembroke Pines, FL dentists and team members work quickly and efficiently to address the issue at hand while keeping your child comfortable.
Read on to learn more about how Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help you when your child has a dental emergency!
Emergency Dentist For Kids
A dental emergency can be stressful for anyone of any age, but when it comes to children, the situation can be particularly traumatic. At Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our emergency dentists are experienced in caring for young patients with dental emergencies. We know how to keep your child calm and relaxed during the process, so you can rest assured knowing that your child is in good hands.
In addition to caring for children, we also work to keep parents informed and involved every step of the way. We understand that open and honest communication between you and our team is necessary to deliver the best outcome for your child and get them on the path to recovery as soon as possible.
Common Emergencies
At Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are well-equipped and prepared to handle a wide range of dental emergencies; this can include anything from a broken tooth to an abscess or even a tooth loss.
While our office will always act quickly to care for your child in a dental emergency, the steps you take at home can really make a difference in their recovery. Below, we have provided a guide to ensure you know what to do immediately following a dental emergency.
- Toothache: If your child has a toothache, you should instruct them to rinse their mouth with warm water and floss gently around the tooth to dislodge any stuck food particles. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face. If the toothache is persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious. The best course of action is to contact our office for an appointment as soon as possible.
- Fractured Tooth: If your child has a fractured tooth, it is important to rinse their mouth with warm water as soon as possible and then apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to reduce swelling. You should also contact our office immediately, so we can assess the damage and determine an appropriate course of treatment.
- Abscessed Tooth: It is especially important to seek emergency care if your child has an abscess or infected tooth. While they may experience the typical symptoms of a toothache, they may also have a high fever and facial swelling. In this case, it is important to keep the area around the tooth clean and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our office immediately, so we can address the issue as soon as possible.
- Soft Tissue Laceration: If your child has a soft tissue laceration in the mouth, you should rinse the area with warm water and apply pressure with clean gauze to help stop any bleeding. If the cut is severe or does not stop bleeding after 15 minutes, it is important to contact our office right away.
- Tooth Avulsion: If your child’s tooth gets knocked out, it is important to act quickly. If it’s a primary tooth, you should not try to put it back in as this can damage the developing adult tooth. Instead, visit our office as soon as possible so we can check for any tissue trauma that may need treatment. If a permanent tooth is lost, try to find the tooth and pick it up from the crown rather than the root. Gently rinse off any debris and try to place it back into the socket as soon as possible. If you can’t place it back into the socket, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to our office.
Does Your Child Need Emergency Services?
If your child experiences any kind of dental trauma, it is important that they receive professional care as soon as possible. Left untreated, dental emergencies can cause further damage and lead to increasingly serious problems. In order to identify a dental emergency, it is important to look for a few key signs:
- Persistent and/or increasing discomfort
- Swelling of the gums and/or face
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Fever
- Visible damage to the tooth structure
If you are unsure if your child is having a dental emergency, it is always best to contact our office and consult with a qualified dentist to determine the best course of action. Call our office right away and our team will be happy to help you.
