Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Dental injuries and emergencies can be distressing for both children and parents, but they are quite common. Around one-third of children will experience some form of dental trauma, and even more will face dental emergencies.
Children are at higher risk for dental trauma during two key stages: toddlerhood (18-40 months) when they are exploring and curious, and during preadolescence and adolescence when sports injuries are more frequent.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common dental emergencies in childhood and provided useful tips on how to manage them.
Toothache
Tooth pain in children can result from various causes, including decay, injury, infection, or tooth loss. This can happen during sports or from skipping regular dental check-ups. Our emergency dentist in San Tan Valley, AZ, will identify the source of the pain, whether it's the tooth, root, or nerve.
Treatment for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child loses a tooth due to trauma, contact our office immediately. For a baby tooth, place it in milk and call us. For an adult tooth, time is critical—pick up the tooth by the crown and come to our office as quickly as possible.
If your child has an intruded or displaced tooth, please call us for a proper evaluation.
Fractured Crown
The crown of the tooth, being the largest and most visible part, is particularly vulnerable to trauma. Crown fractures can range from minor cracks that may not require immediate care to more severe cases where the pulp is exposed, requiring emergency dental attention in Mesa, AZ.
A pediatric dentist can evaluate the severity of the fracture with dental X-rays. Changes in tooth color, such as pink or yellow tones, should be considered a warning sign and treated promptly. Minor fractures can often be repaired with dental sealant, while more serious fractures may require pulp treatment. If a crown fracture occurs, it’s important to contact a pediatric dentist right away. Jagged enamel can irritate and inflame the soft tissues of the mouth, increasing the risk of infection.
Fracture of the Root
Our dentist frequently treats children with fractured teeth. Signs of a fracture may include displaced teeth or reduced sensitivity to cold foods and drinks. Dental trauma can damage the nerve, leading to heightened sensitivity to even mild pressure.
Dental Concussion - Tooth Injury
Dental concussions can happen in toddlers of any age, causing temporary or permanent discoloration of the teeth. If the teeth don’t turn black or dark, it may not be a major concern. However, if the color changes, prompt care is needed. Concussions can signal that the teeth are dying or may require root canal treatment to remove infected nerves.
Cheek, Lip, or Tongue Injury
If your child accidentally bites their tongue, lip, or cheek, it's important to seek prompt treatment to prevent infection. Our pediatric emergency dentist is available to provide immediate care for these injuries. We will assess any bleeding or swelling to determine the best treatment. In the case of a bite to the flap under the upper lip, a visit to the emergency room may be required.
Jaw fracture
Jaw fractures in children can result from slips, falls, contact sports, or accidents. If your child experiences severe pain in the teeth, chin, or jaw, along with trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking, it's important not to ignore these symptoms. Seek emergency dental care from our pediatric dentist right away.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Dental trauma from head injuries can be a distressing and painful experience for both children and parents. It's essential to seek immediate care from a pediatric emergency dentist to ensure long-term relief and protect your child's oral health. If you have any questions about emergency dental care in Mesa, AZ, don't hesitate to contact our pediatric emergency dentist.