Emergency Pediatric Dentistry In Tallahassee
Dental emergencies can be scary for both children and parents. Our team is ready to provide quick, compassionate care when your child needs it most.
How Do I Know If My Child Is Having a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies in children can range from obvious injuries to more subtle issues that cause a lot of discomfort. If your child experiences severe tooth pain, has a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, or any injury to the mouth that causes bleeding, it's most likely a dental emergency. Other signs include swelling of the face or gums, a loose tooth that shouldn't be loose yet, or an object stuck between teeth that you can't remove. When in doubt, it's always better to call our office. Our experienced team can help you assess the situation and determine if immediate care is necessary.
Benefits of Getting Emergency Pediatric Dental Care
Our pediatric dentists are experts at diagnosing the source of dental pain and providing fast, effective relief. We use child-friendly techniques and gentle care to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the treatment.
Quick emergency care can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major problem. By addressing dental emergencies right away, we can often save teeth, prevent infections, and avoid more extensive treatments down the road.
Knowing that expert pediatric dental care is available when you need it most can be a huge relief for parents. Our team not only treats your child's dental emergency but also provides guidance on aftercare and prevention of future incidents.
The Emergency Pediatric Dental Care Process
Assessment
When you arrive, our team quickly evaluates your child's condition. Parents are always welcome to accompany their child throughout the entire process.
Pain Management
Our pediatric dentist's first priority is to get your child out of pain and feeling comfortable again. We use gentle techniques and, if necessary, safe pain management options to alleviate your child's discomfort.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Using advanced diagnostic tools, our pediatric dentist identifies the root cause of the emergency. They then explain the issue and recommended treatment in easy-to-understand terms.
Aftercare Instructions
Before you leave, we provide clear instructions for at-home care. We also schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure your child's complete recovery.
FAQs
Have questions? We've got answers.
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, time is of the essence. Gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing it, and if possible, try to reinsert it into the socket. If you can't reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva. Contact our office immediately - ideally, we should see your child within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. Remember, this advice is for permanent teeth only; if a baby tooth is knocked out, don't try to reinsert it, but do contact us for guidance.
For temporary pain relief, you can have your child rinse with warm salt water (if they're old enough to rinse and spit). You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the affected area. Over-the-counter pain medication suitable for children can be used, following the dosage instructions for your child's age. However, don't apply aspirin or any pain reliever directly to the gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Remember, these are temporary measures - it's important to have your child seen by our pediatric dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying cause of the pain.
A severe toothache should never be ignored, especially in children. While mild discomfort might be caused by temporary issues like food stuck between teeth, intense or persistent pain often points to a more serious problem such as advanced decay, an abscess, or an injury.
If your child complains of severe tooth pain, especially if it's accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty eating or sleeping, it's best to seek emergency dental care right away. Delaying treatment can lead to more pain, the spread of infection, and potentially more invasive treatments down the line.
In the meantime, you can help manage your child's pain by rinsing with warm salt water (if they're old enough to rinse and spit), applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, and using children's over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. However, these are temporary measures – our pediatric dentists at SmileWorks can diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to resolve the issue and prevent future problems. Remember, we're here to help – don't hesitate to call us for guidance or to schedule an emergency appointment.
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Whether you're a parent looking after your children's dental needs, an adult seeking orthodontic treatment, or anywhere in between, we're here for you. Book an appointment today and experience the SmileWorks difference!