Pediatric Dental Emergency
Puyallup, WA
Emergency Care provided by Dr. Hersey
in Puyallup, WA at Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry
 Dental emergencies can be stressful for anyone. When it's your child in pain, it can feel even more overwhelming. As a parent, you naturally want to protect your child from harm. But even with the best intentions and preventive care, accidents can, and do, happen. That's why knowing how to respond to a pediatric dental emergency is so important. At Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dentistry and are here to help when your child needs urgent dental care.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Children are energetic and curious by nature - two wonderful traits that sometimes lead to dental injuries. Understanding how to handle these situations quickly and calmly can help reduce pain and prevent long-term damage.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth, or dental avulsion, is one of the most urgent pediatric dental emergencies. According to the American Dental Association, roughly five million teeth are knocked out each year. Whether the result of a fall, sports injury, or accident, the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
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Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
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If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water-do not scrub.
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If possible, place the tooth back into the socket.
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If reinsertion isn't possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or your child's saliva.
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Call our office and come in right away. |
If a baby tooth is knocked out, it is typically not reimplanted, as this could harm the developing permanent tooth underneath. Still, you should contact us immediately to assess the area and provide comfort care.
Loose or Displaced Tooth
If a tooth becomes loose or appears crooked after an injury, it may be partially dislodged from its socket. This is a condition known as dental luxation.
What to do:
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Encourage your child to avoid wiggling or playing with the tooth.
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Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
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Provide an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Motrin if needed.
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Call us for an evaluation to check for root damage or risk of infection. |
In some cases, teeth can realign themselves, but an examination ensures no underlying damage is missed.
Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
Children can chip or crack teeth during sports, falls, or even biting into something hard. While it might seem minor, a cracked or fractured tooth is always a pediatric dental emergency.
Steps to take:
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Locate and save the tooth fragment, if possible, in a container of milk.
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Rinse your child's mouth with cool water to clean the area.
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Apply a cold compress to manage swelling.
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Contact our office immediately for an evaluation. |
We may recommend treatment options such as restorative dentistry. This could include tooth bonding, crowns, or fillings to repair the tooth and prevent infection.
Injuries to the Cheek, Tongue, or Lips
Oral injuries often involve more than just teeth. If your child bites their tongue, cheek, or lip or sustains a cut, the bleeding and swelling can be alarming.
Here's what you can do:
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Cheek: Hold a cold compress against the area to reduce swelling.
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Tongue: Use a cold pack to help control bleeding and pain. Encourage your child to keep the tongue still.
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Lips: Apply firm, gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze and use a cold compress. |
If bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop after 15 minutes, seek emergency care. Soft tissue injuries often look worse than they are, but it's best to have us check the injury to rule out tooth or jaw involvement.
Suspected Broken Jaw
A broken or fractured jaw is a severe emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Signs may include:
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Swelling and bruising along the jawline
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Inability to open or close the mouth fully
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Pain when biting or chewing
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Bleeding from the mouth |
If you suspect your child has a broken jaw:
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Do not attempt to move it.
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Apply a cold compress to control swelling.
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Go directly to the emergency room. |
We can work with your child's physician to provide follow-up care for any dental damage once the jaw has stabilized.
Preventive Dentistry: The First Line of Defense
While emergencies aren't always avoidable, many can be prevented through preventive dentistry. This includes regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Dental sealants may also be used, to protect against cavities. We encourage custom-made mouthguards for sports. We offer education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Preventive care builds strong, healthy teeth and gums, making them more resilient in the face of injury or trauma.
Restorative Dentistry for Recovery
When emergencies do happen, restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in your child's recovery. Depending on the extent of damage, treatment may include dental fillings, crowns, tooth bonding, or pulp therapy (for injured tooth nerves).
In more serious cases, we may use general anesthesia to complete treatment safely and comfortably, especially if your child is very young or anxious.
When to Call a Pediatric Dentist
If your child experiences any of the following, call us immediately:
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A permanent tooth is knocked out
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Severe toothache or sensitivity
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Facial swelling or trauma
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Bleeding that won't stop
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Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste in the mouth) |
Even if you're unsure whether it's a true emergency, it's always best to contact a professional. The sooner we can assess the issue, the quicker we can relieve your child's discomfort and prevent further complications.
Your Trusted Pediatric Dentistry Partner in Wichita, KS
At Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry, we're parents too, and we understand how frightening a pediatric dental emergency can be. Our caring team is ready to help your child get back to smiling with gentle, expert care tailored just for them.
If your child is in pain or you're facing a dental emergency, don't wait. Call us right away at (253) 864-9889. The faster we see them, the sooner they'll be on the road to healing.
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