Children and Dental Emergency FAQ
Wichita, KS
Dental Emergency FAQ's provided by Dr. Healy
, Dr. Martin
, and Dr. White in Wichita, KS at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
With children, dental emergencies can happen at any time and any place.
That is why parents need to know what to expect and what to do so that when such a dental issue occurs, they are prepared and able to manage the situation with minimum trauma.
At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy, Dr. Martin and Dr. White know how scary trips to the dentist can be for children, which is why they make every effort to make every visit as comfortable as possible.
Even in the case of pediatric dental emergencies, our dentists will try to make the treatment process as stress-free and painless as possible.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Some of the most common dental emergencies parents face with their children are listed below, along with advice on managing the situation to minimize the damage and save a child's permanent tooth.
What Should I Do if My Child Bites a Lip or Cheek?
If your child has bitten his or her lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is or bleeding does not stop.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
When a child chips or cracks their tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Follow this by applying a cold compress, which not only decreases any swelling but also decreases the pain.
If there is any bleeding by the gums, this cold compress will help stop it faster.
Try to visit a dentist as soon as possible. A cracked or chipped tooth can be repaired relatively quickly with a filling or crown without surgery.
Knocked Out Tooth
When a child knocks out a tooth, the first step is to control any bleeding by applying pressure to the area.
Once the bleeding has stopped, rinse the mouth with warm water. If the tooth is a permanent adult tooth, it is vital to preserve it by reinserting it back into its socket or transporting it in milk.
Take your child immediately to a dentist, as the best outcome is possible within an hour of the injury.
If the tooth is a baby tooth, there is no need to reinsert the tooth, as permanent teeth will come out later. However, taking the child to a dentist is still important to ensure there is no other damage.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
If an object is stuck between a child's teeth, parents can attempt to remove it with floss. Gently push the floss down and run it back and forth to loosen the object.
However, never try to pry the object with a sharp or pointed tool, as that can chip the surrounding teeth.
If the object will not come out, it is best to see a dentist, as they have the proper tools to remove any object without any damage.
What Should I Do if My Child Moves or Displaces a Tooth?
Call us immediately at (316) 202-9629 and/or go to the emergency room. Displaced teeth can be put back into place and splinted (fixed in place) in order to promote proper healing of the tooth supporting jawbone and gums.
This procedure has the best outcome the quicker it is accomplished.
What Should I Do if My Child's Tooth Hurts?
If your child complains of a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water and inspect his or her teeth to make sure there is nothing caught between them.
If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease it. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, because this can cause damage to the gums.
Children's pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately. If your child's face is swollen, please to emergency room immediately.
When You Suspect the Jaw Is Broken
If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us at (316) 202-9629 and/or go to the emergency room immediately. In many cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life threatening.
My Child Has Excessive Bleeding after Losing a Tooth - What to Do?
Fold a piece of gauze or towel and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, call our emergency number.
My Child Has a Cold/Canker Sore - How Can I Help?
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit our office.
Please Visit These Pages for More Information
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
When to Call the Doctor?
Procedure Follow-up Care
Call Your Kids Dentist in Wichita, KS Now!
If you are looking for an emergency dentist for kids, consider stopping by to see our facility and meet our staff at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. Here, we take great pride in minimizing children's fears when they come for their appointment. Our goal is to make every visit as positive an experience as possible. You can reach us at (316) 202-9629
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