Having a Dental Emergency?

Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Worsen

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately with our emergency dentist. Dr. Metcalf is equipped to provide prompt and effective dental care with compassion. We also believe that timely intervention can often prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. That’s why we aim to see your child as soon as possible, reducing their discomfort and preventing further dental complications.

The Dental Emergencies We Can Help

Severe Toothache

Brief toothaches are common, and if your child experiences one, you can start by trying to clean the area around the sore tooth with warm salt water. We recommend NEVER using aspirin on the aching tooth or gum. However, you can use acetaminophen for temporary pain relief. If your child’s face begins to swell, use a cold compress to keep the swelling down, and contact Dr. Metcalf as soon as possible to let him and his team know about the incident—once you do, we’ll be able to give you more detailed instructions on how to proceed.

Bitten or Cut Tongue, Cheek, or Lip

For a minor cut, applying ice to the area will help reduce swelling and pain. If the cut is bleeding, you may need to apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stem the bleeding. If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, even with the applied pressure, it’s time to go to the emergency room.

Broken Tooth

If your child breaks a tooth, start by rinsing the area with warm water and using a cold compress on the face over the area of the injury. Recover any tooth fragments you can and call us immediately if it’s after hours, head straight to an urgent care facility or emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Teeth

If your child accidentally knocks out a permanent tooth, the first thing to do is recover the tooth – but be careful to hold it by the top (crown) instead of the long root. Rinse the tooth, but avoid handling it more than necessary, then try reinserting it into the socket and holding it there with gauze or a clean cloth. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, carry it in a cup of milk or water and call us immediately. Time is of the essence, so if it’s after hours, go to the emergency room.

Potential Broken Jaw

This is the most serious injury on the list, so you’ll need to treat it as such. If your child experiences a serious jaw injury, close the mouth with a towel, tie, or handkerchief wrapped around the head and chin. Then, go straight to the emergency room.

Bleeding After Using a Baby Tooth

Some bleeding after losing a baby tooth is normal. If your child experiences this, try folding over a piece of clean gauze and placing it on the area, then have your child bite down on it for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists after that, call our office or head to an emergency room.

Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Cold sores and canker sores are both common and usually nothing to worry about. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief. If sores become a larger problem for you, feel free to contact us, and we can take a look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If your child knocks out a tooth, try to find the tooth and rinse it gently without touching the root. Contact our office immediately. Dr. Metcalf or Dr. Padilla will guide you through the next steps.

How can I alleviate my child’s toothache?

Use warm water to rinse your child’s mouth and gently floss to remove any food particles. If the pain persists, contact us right away.

What should I do if my child chips or fractures a tooth?

Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken tooth fragments and contact our office immediately.

Can a tooth abscess be a dental emergency?

Yes. A tooth abscess is a serious dental condition that can cause fever, tooth sensitivity, and severe pain. It can potentially be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If your child shows signs of a dental abscess, call us immediately.

What should I do if an object is stuck in my child’s teeth?

Try gently removing the object with dental floss. If you cannot get the object out, call our office. Do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency outside of normal office hours?

Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry offers emergency dental services during normal office hours. If you have an emergency that cannot wait until the following morning, go straight to the emergency room.

How can I prevent dental emergencies for my child?

Regular dental check-ups, using mouthguards during sports, and teaching your child good oral hygiene habits can help prevent dental emergencies.

Is it necessary to treat cavities in baby teeth?

Yes. It’s important to treat cavities in baby teeth even though they will eventually fall out. Untreated cavities can lead to serious pain and infection and may affect the development of permanent teeth.

Your Child’s Trusted Emergency Dentist

Dr. Metcalf is a skilled and empathetic dentist who excels at dealing with pediatric dental emergencies. He is committed to providing a comfortable environment for your child and ensuring minimal distress during procedures. This approach and his overall reassuring demeanor are sure to instill confidence in both you and your little one! Get in touch with our team today.