Pediatric Dental Emergency
Wichita, KS
Pediatric Dental Emergency Care provided by Dr. Healy
, Dr. Martin
, and Dr. White in Wichita, KS at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
 As a parent, there is not much more terrifying than seeing your child hurt. Dental emergencies are no different. Children can suffer a dental injury in a variety of different situations. They may fall from playground equipment, get hurt playing sports, or even just slip and fall. While they can be quite frightening, dental emergencies are also rather common.
These emergencies range from mild to severe, and the severity of the injury will often dictate what needs to be done next. At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we are here for your child, as well as for you, and can advise you on the steps you need to take in the event of a dental emergency.
Taking Care at Home
In the event of minor dental emergencies, it is often possible to provide care to your child without having to leave your home. Common injuries that can be treated at home include a bitten lip, tongue or cheek. The affected area may look worse than you would expect and swell significantly. As the tissue begins to heal, it may turn white in color. More severe bites can take more than a week to heal.
If bleeding has occurred, place gauze over the wound and have your child apply light pressure. This will help to stop bleeding. You can also provide your child with an over the counter pain reliever or use an ice pack if they are experiencing pain. These types of injuries typically heal on their own within a few days. If the bleeding is severe, however, and does not stop after 15 minutes, then you should take your child to the emergency room.
Some types of toothaches can also be handled at home. While toothaches are often indicative of an infection or another issue, they can also be caused simply because the food is lodged between the teeth. Before rushing out the door, have your child thoroughly brush and floss their teeth, and rinse with warm water. You should also look at their gums for redness and swelling. If there is nothing stuck, or you suspect an infection, then you should call the office right away to schedule an appointment. Read more about what to do when your child has a dental emergency.
Emergency Dental Care in the Office
When your child is faced with a dental emergency, it is often parental instinct to head straight to the emergency room. Before heading to the hospital, call us first. There are some different dental emergencies that we can treat in our office.
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Teeth that have been chipped or cracked. If your child has cracked or chipped a tooth, have them rinse their mouth out with warm water. An ice pack can be used to help with pain and potential swelling. Once you bring your child in, we can assess the extent of the damage and provide them with the appropriate treatment.
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Teeth that have been displaced. A displaced tooth is one that has been either partially knocked out or pushed deeper into the socket. If this happens to your child, do not try to fix it yourself. For pain, an ice pack or over the counter pain relievers. We can reset the tooth and place a splint while the bone and ligaments heal.
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Teeth that have been knocked out. If your child has a knocked out tooth, particularly a permanent one, it is important to come in right away. In many cases, a tooth can be replanted. Find the tooth and rinse it off under cool water, being careful to handle it only by the crown. Avoid touching the root, as this can cause damage. Store the tooth in a jar of milk, or salt water, until you can get your child in. |
When to Go to the Emergency Room
In certain situations, it may be necessary to take your child straight to the emergency room. These situations include:
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Loss of consciousness.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Severe bleeding.
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You suspect your child has a broken jaw. |
Dental emergencies can be scary for both your child and for you, but there are things that can be done. Call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry for more information today at (316) 202-9629.
Have more questions? Read our frequently asked questions about dental emergencies. |
