Pediatric Dental & Orthodontic Emergency Care
Dental emergencies can happen to children at any time. We also provide urgent guidance for orthodontic patients of all ages. When you call about your child's dental emergency or an orthodontic concern, our team will assess the situation, explain the next steps, and help arrange the earliest appropriate appointment.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat in Children
Severe Tooth Pain in a Child
Sudden, throbbing pain in a child that may indicate infection or decay.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth in a child requires immediate, age-appropriate guidance.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Damage to a child's tooth that affects appearance, comfort, or function.
Loose or Dislodged Tooth
A child's tooth may become loose or dislodged after an injury or impact.
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling in a child may indicate a dental infection requiring urgent evaluation.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown can leave your child's tooth exposed and vulnerable.
What to Do Before Your Child's Appointment
- For pain relief: If appropriate for your child, use over-the-counter pain medication as directed and apply a cold compress to the outside of your child's cheek.
- For a knocked-out tooth: Call us immediately for child-specific instructions and bring the tooth with you if it is safe to do so.
- For a broken tooth: Have your child rinse with warm water and save any pieces.
- For a loose tooth: Ask your child not to touch or move it with their tongue.
Orthodontic Emergencies for Children, Teens, and Adults
Most orthodontic issues are not true emergencies and can be managed at home until the next visit. Here is a guide for orthodontic patients of any age.
Broken Brackets
If a broken bracket is causing irritation, you can gently remove it or clip the wire with clean pliers for temporary relief. If it is not bothering you, you may leave it as is until your next scheduled visit.
Lost Retainers or Aligners
Let us know and we may be able to order a replacement before your next scheduled visit.
Loose Appliances
If it will not stay in place, it is okay to remove it entirely. Otherwise, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Pokey Wires
Dry your tooth as much as possible, pinch a small piece of wax and apply it to the area that is bothering you. If you are unable to relieve discomfort, contact us to schedule a quick office visit.
When a Child or Orthodontic Patient Needs the ER
Some pediatric dental and orthodontic emergencies need more than a dental visit. Take your child—or the orthodontic patient—to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for any of the following:
- A broken or dislocated jaw
- Facial or head injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Once you or your child are safe and stable, call us so we can coordinate appropriate pediatric dental or orthodontic follow-up.
Need Help With a Pediatric Dental or Orthodontic Emergency?
Call us for urgent guidance about your child's dental emergency or an orthodontic problem.
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