Emergency Dentistry

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for oral health problems that require prompt attention. If your child experiences a dental emergency, it’s important to contact the team at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry right away. Making it to the office within an hour of your child’s injury could mean the difference between saving a tooth and needing oral surgery.

What conditions can emergency dentistry treat?

Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry uses emergency dentistry to address a variety of conditions, including:

• Gum or jaw swelling
• Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Oral abscesses
• Severe toothaches
• Tongue and gum injuries
• Extreme tooth sensitivity

Your child might also benefit from emergency dentistry if you damage an oral prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge.

If my child loses a permanent tooth, what steps should I take?

If your child loses a permanent tooth due to a sports injury, automobile accident, or slip and fall, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. First, try to stop any bleeding by gently applying pressure to the tooth socket. Next, pick up your child’s tooth and rinse it in cool tap water of any debris.

If possible, try to place the tooth back in your child’s socket. If the tooth wobbles around, place it in a glass of milk. Once you’ve secured the tooth and stopped the bleeding, call Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry. Explain the events leading up to your child’s injury and answer the receptionist’s questions. They may be able to provide you with tips to ease the pain on your way to the office.

The team at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry always sets aside time for same-day emergency dentistry appointments. They know that injuries often occur when you least expect them, so they’re always standing by.

How can I prevent my child from needing emergency dentistry?

There’s no way to prevent accidents and injuries entirely, but you can take steps to prevent the need for emergency dentistry. First, establish an oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis and visiting Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry every six months for a professional cleaning and exam can significantly lower your child’s risk of cavities and gum disease.

If your child plays contact sports like hockey, football, or basketball, have them wear a mouthguard. The same goes if they bike, skateboard, or rollerblade. Additionally, encourage your child to avoid bad habits such as nail biting, chewing on ice, or opening bottles with their teeth. This can prevent chips, cracks, and other tooth damage.

If your child needs emergency dentistry, contact Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry right away. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member, or walk in during normal business hours.