Emergency Dental Care
At least one of our doctors is available 24/7 in the case of an emergency.
If your child has experienced a dental emergency, call our regular office line at 810-227-9015 to obtain our emergency contact information. We understand emergencies can happen at any time and that you want to make sure your child is not in pain. This is where we can help.
Pediatric emergencies can be worrisome, but you’re not alone. If you’re unsure whether your child’s situation warrants emergency dental care, our team is here to help. Check the quick guide below for common children’s dental emergencies. Whether it’s a persistent toothache, a chipped tooth, or any other concern, remember that Pediatric Dentistry of Brighton is just a call away.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A conversation with one of our on-call pediatric dentists will help determine how quickly a child needs to be treated. If you’re in doubt about whether or not your child needs an emergency dental appointment, it’s always best to call and ask.
Chipped teeth and broken teeth in children or toddlers should be examined by a pediatric dentist to make sure no damage has been made to the tooth’s root.
Permanent teeth that have been knocked out with the root intact may be replaced if done quickly enough. Even if the tooth can’t be found, it’s important that your child’s dentist be able to assess any damage and alleviate pain quickly.
If a child experiences a severe toothache, a pediatric dentist should be seen as soon as possible. Tooth decay, abscesses, and gum infections severe enough to cause toothaches in kids need to be treated quickly.
Loose brackets and wires in orthodontic appliances can irritate lips, gums, and cheeks, and they should be fixed as soon as possible.
What to Do If a Child's Face/Mouth Has Been Injured
If a child has been injured in the face or mouth area, it’s important that parents first remain calm. Just remember: kids receive bumps and injuries often, and having a calm, collected parent will make them feel less frightened. Secondly, parents should determine whether or not the injury caused their child to lose consciousness, even for a brief period. A loss of consciousness can indicate a much more serious problem, and if this has occurred, children should see a medical doctor immediately.
Next, moms and dads should try to stop any bleeding with a clean, warm washcloth, meanwhile checking for teeth that may have been broken or knocked out. If any of the child’s teeth are missing, try to find them; knocked-out teeth can sometimes be replaced if the child and the missing tooth are brought to a pediatric dentist quickly enough. If your child has knocked out a baby tooth bring it to the office on your child’s next appointment. If your child has knocked out a permanent tooth and you’re able to find it intact, have the child hold it in place in his or her mouth until you reach the dentist’s office. If the tooth can’t be re-fit, place it in a glass of milk until you reach our offices.
What to Do If a Child Has a Toothache
True toothaches are caused by tooth decay which happens from the interior of the tooth. Decay, which is close to reaching the sensitive interior nerves of a tooth can cause children severe discomfort. Toothaches can also be caused by abscesses or gum infections caused by gingivitis. All of these are serious conditions and need to be attended by a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Sometimes, children mistake other problems – such as a canker sore – for toothaches. Asking your child to describe the pain (is it sharp, within the tooth, or are tissues simply sore?) and checking the inside of the child’s mouth to search for red spots will help determine whether the child is experiencing a toothache or something else. The pain from toothaches in children can be temporarily relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Non-Dental Emergencies
If your child experiences any of the following, we recommend taking a trip to the hospital emergency room immediately.
- A bitten tongue, lip, or cheek that won’t stop bleeding
- Unconsciousness, even for a short period of time
- A potentially broken jaw
Non-Emergencies
Children who experience any of the following are not in immediate danger, but should be brought in to see a dentist during regular office hours as soon as possible. Please let our office staff know what the problem is when you call for an appointment.
- Bleeding after a baby tooth has fallen out
- Persistent cold sores, cankers, or inflammation of the gums
- Having an object lodged between teeth that cannot be removed with floss or brushing
