Dental emergencies are quite common in children, and we see them frequently here at Dentistry for Children at Weston, P.A. While there are methods you can take to keep your child safe, knowing what to do when your child has an emergency dental situation is important as well. Dental emergencies are often treatable, but only if you get your child the treatment he or she needs from a Weston, FL pediatric dentist in time.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation in which your child needs dental care right away. Examples include: a severe toothache, a missing filling, excessive bleeding or swelling, a broken or knocked out tooth or a fractured jaw.
Routine fillings and cleanings are not considered dental emergencies, as there is no harm in waiting a few days or weeks for treatment. If your child's emergency is life-threatening, however, you will want to call 911 or visit the emergency room right away.
What Should I Do If My Child Has a Dental Emergency?
If your child has a dental emergency, the first and most important thing you should do is call your child's pediatric dentist at Dentistry for Children at Weston, P.A. in Weston, FL right away. Here at Dentistry for Children at Weston, P.A., we offer 24/7 emergency service, so no matter what time of day or night your emergency occurs, we will have someone available to help you.
There may also be steps you should take at home or while you are on your way into the office, depending on the nature of the emergency. Here are a few common examples.
- If your child has lost his or her tooth, place the tooth in milk and bring it with you to your appointment. If you come in soon enough, we may be able to reattach it.
- If you suspect that part of your child's tooth may be still in his or her mouth, have your child rinse and spit to make sure all pieces come out. Otherwise, your child could swallow them or choke.
- If your child is bleeding, use a clean cloth to apply pressure to the area and stop the bleeding.
- If your child has a great deal of swelling, have your child hold an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables on the area as you make your way to the office.