Accidents happen. As parents, we want to keep our kids safe and healthy, but sometimes it’s hard to know when to call a doctor–or even go to the emergency room. In this post, we will detail a few of the most common child dental emergencies we see.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please call to get specific advice for your individual child. If your child is experiencing facial swelling or is in extreme pain, go to your nearest emergency room.

Untreated decay can lead to infections, or an abscess, which can be a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. Swelling, pain, pus, and fever are all signs of a dental infection that needs urgent treatment.

Kids are especially prone to dental injuries. Urgent dental care is usually needed after some sort of trauma to the mouth. When teeth are chipped, broken, cracked, or knocked out, it’s important for a dentist to check for further damage. If a permanent, adult tooth is knocked out, save the tooth and keep it from drying out. You can use milk or saliva to preserve it. Don’t wrap it in a tissue or place in water as this can dry out the tooth. Call for an urgent appointment and we can possibly reattach the tooth.

If a child’s primary or “baby” tooth comes out prematurely, there is no need to reattach it. However, it’s still important for a dentist to check the mouth. Part of the root may still be there or small pieces of tooth could break off and cause pain and/or choking. The dentist may also take X-Rays to check the bone for any injury.

If a child has had a dental crown placed on their tooth and the crown falls off, save the crown, and call to make an appointment as soon as possible. The remaining portion of the tooth may break and cause further pain and damage.

If your child is experiencing dental pain and you’re in the Austin area, give us a call. We can usually make time for same-day emergency appointments.