When to Call the Doctor About a Dental Emergency
Wichita, KS
Dental Emergency Care provided by Dr. Healy
, Dr. Martin
, and Dr. White in Wichita, KS at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
 Seeing your child in pain is one of the worst things a parent can experience. Dental emergencies are no different. There are just some dental issues that cannot wait for a regularly scheduled visit. While scary, dental emergencies in children are fairly common. At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we can provide your child with the care that they need to restore their oral health in the event of an emergency situation.
Injured Teeth
Tooth injuries are common with children, particularly if they participate in sports. Injuries include such things as cracked or chipped teeth, teeth that have been displaced, and teeth that have been knocked out completely. All of these injuries need dental treatment. Minor damage to a cracked or chipped tooth may only need a cosmetic fix, but teeth that have been more seriously harmed may require a crown. We can assess the extent of the damage and provide you with the appropriate treatment. If the tooth has sharp edges, you can use wax to prevent injuries to the soft tissues.
For teeth that have been displaced, partially knocked out or pushed deeper into the socket, do not attempt to replace the tooth yourself. We will be able to reset the tooth and secure it with a splint. Teeth that have been completely knocked out can also be replaced. Clean the tooth with cool water, careful not to touch the root. If your child is older, you may be able to set the tooth back into the socket, after they have rinsed their mouth out, until you can make it in. For younger children, this is not advisable as your child may swallow the tooth. Instead, the tooth can be stored in a jar of milk or salt water.
Toothaches
Toothaches can often be an indication that your child has an infected tooth. If not treated promptly, this infection can result in a dental abscess. An abscess forms when bacteria spill out of the root of the tooth and into the jaw. It forms to contain the bacteria. If an abscess goes untreated, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and go to other parts of the body.
Cavities
Both baby teeth and adult teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Cavities are small pits that form on the surfaces of the teeth as a result of acid erosion. If they are not treated, the cavities only continue to grow larger and can compromise the structural integrity of the affected tooth. They can also lead to infections inside the tooth. Cavities should not wait until the next regular appointment. Instead, we can provide emergency treatment for your child to restore the health of their tooth.
Loose Fillings
Fillings are used for treating cavities. While they are meant to stay inside of the tooth, they can sometimes become loose, or even fall out completely. These fillings need to be replaced immediately. Without treatment, bacteria can get inside of the cavity and cause new decay and damage.
Orthodontic Issues
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment for children. This treatment uses brackets and wires to straighten teeth. Occasionally, brackets or wires can pop loose, which can then lead to injuries to the soft tissues. It is important to get these issues treated promptly to avoid delays in treatment. You should also call if your child is experiencing more discomfort than the minor discomfort associated with regular adjustments.
When to Go to the ER
While we can treat a wide variety of different dental emergencies for your child, there are some instances in which you should head straight to the emergency room. These situations include: | • |
Excessive, uncontrollable bleeding.
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Severe facial swelling, or severe swelling of the gums.
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Your child has experienced a head injury.
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You suspect their jaw may be broken.
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Your child is having difficulty breathing. |
If your child is experiencing dental pain, we can help. Call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry to schedule their appointment today (316) 202-9629. |
