emergency dentistry san antonio
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Emergency Dentistry for Children

While dental injuries and emergencies can be distressing for both children and parents, they are also quite prevalent. It's estimated that approximately one-third of children have encountered some form of dental trauma, and many have faced dental emergencies.

There are two primary periods of heightened risk for dental trauma. The first occurs during toddlerhood, typically between 18-40 months, when children begin exploring their environment. The second peak risk period falls in the preadolescence and adolescence phase, where sporting injuries become more common.

Outlined below are some of the most frequent pediatric dental emergencies, along with valuable guidance on how to address them.

Toothache: Toothaches are a frequent occurrence. In some cases, it may be as simple as food stuck between teeth, while in other instances, it may be more complex. If the pain persists, please contact our office.

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Dental Avulsion (knocked-out tooth)

Crown Fracture

For Lost Teeth: If your child experiences trauma resulting in the loss of a tooth, please contact our office immediately. If it’s a baby tooth, we want to verify the tooth was lost completely and did not get pushed back up into the gums, or accidentally lodged in the lip.

In the case of an adult tooth, time is crucial. Gently pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root, and place the tooth in milk. DO NOT CLEAN THE TOOTH. You can accidentally kill the root cells that help reattach the tooth inside the mouth. Milk is the proper pH to help keep the cells of the root alive. NEVER place the tooth in water or let the tooth stay dry. Water will cause the cells lining the root to swell like an overfilled water balloon and pop and die. Drying out the tooth can also cause the cells to die, and not allow the tooth to reattach when repositioned by the dentist. Call our office immediately. Our emergency pediatric dentists will assess the ability to reattach the tooth.

For Intruded or Displaced Teeth: If your child encounters an intruded or displaced tooth, please reach out to Little Dental Pediatric Dentistry so that we can assess the situation properly. Some minor displacements can resolve on their own, while others need the teeth to be repositioned and splinted by the pediatric emergency dentist.

The crown, which is the largest and most visible part of the tooth, is often the area that experiences trauma. There are different types of crown fractures, ranging from minor cracks in the enamel (not urgent) to exposing the pulp (requiring immediate treatment).

Root Fracture

Sometimes trauma to the teeth can leave the crown of the tooth intact, but cause a fracture in the root of the tooth. The location of the fracture affects the long term prognosis of the tooth, and what treatment needs to be performed.

Dental Concussion

A tooth that has been hit or bumped, but is still in place and not broken, can be referred to as “concussed.” This condition commonly affects toddlers and may result in temporary or permanent tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration alone is not a cause for alarm. Treatment of discolored baby teeth only becomes necessary if the child has pain or infection associated with the discolored tooth. If a permanent tooth becomes becomes grey or dark, this could indicate that the nerve of the tooth is dying and may need root canal therapy.

Injured Cheek, Lip or Tongue

If a child accidentally cuts or bites their cheek, lip, or tongue and it starts bleeding, apply firm pressure directly to the area using a clean cloth or gauze. To minimize swelling, use ice on the affected areas. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, go to the Emergency Room or contact a medical professional right away.

Fractured Jaw

If you suspect a broken or fractured jaw, it is important to go to the Emergency Room right away. Meanwhile, please advise the child to avoid moving their jaw. For very young children, you can gently secure a scarf lengthwise around their head and jaw to prevent any movement.

Head Injury/Head Trauma

If a child has experienced head trauma, it is crucial to go directly to the Emergency Room, even if they have not lost consciousness. Pediatric doctors need to assess for potential delayed concussion and internal bleeding.

If you have questions about dental emergencies, please ask your emergency pediatric dentist during your appointment sessions.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!