When to Visit an Emergency Pediatric Dentist

The job of an emergency pediatric dentist is to provide emergency dental care to any child or teen who develops an unexpected dental problem. Many dental practices have set hours, while a few operate on an appointment-only basis. Forunately, emergency dental practices can accommodate you if your young ones suddenly need dental care.

An emergency pediatric dentist can see patients on short notice and at all hours. But what qualifies as a dental emergency?

Common issues that require an emergency pediatric dentist

1. When a child fractures their tooth

Children love to play and run around in close spaces. Sometimes all that rough play results in a split lip, a swollen eye, or even a fractured tooth.

A tooth that is badly broken or cracked hurts, especially when the fracture exposes or injures the dental pulp. Instead of waiting for a dental appointment, a parent or caregiver should see an emergency pediatric dentist immediately. The dentist can restore the tooth, which can prevent further injury and protect the pulp from infection.

2. When a toothache gets bad

When an infection progresses, it can eventually reach the inner tooth or the gum. The infection causes severe pain and may become too much for the child to bear. Since toothaches tend to get worse at night, it is a good idea for a parent to have the number of an emergency pediatric dentist at hand.

The dentist will remove the infection and perform an emergency dental restoration. If necessary, the dentist will also prescribe medication to fight an infection that is widespread.

3. When a child loses a milk tooth early

A milk tooth should only come loose when a permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a child loses a milk tooth at the wrong time, they may have to deal with misaligned permanent teeth in the future.

It is for this reason that a parent should take their child to the dentist within 24 hours of the loss of the tooth. An emergency pediatric dentist will see the child immediately and may fit them with a spacer, which will keep the remaining teeth in place.

4. When a child loses a permanent tooth

The loss of a permanent tooth is a stressful event for adults and children alike. Luckily, a tooth that is knocked out can be reattached, but only if the child sees a dentist immediately. If the missing tooth is too damaged to reattach, the dentist will start the treatment needed to put a replacement tooth in the gap.

5. When there is a serious injury to the inner cheek or tongue

When children get hurt, they may sustain injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. When a parent sees uncontrollable bleeding in their child’s mouth, they should see an emergency dentist immediately. The dentist can close the wound and prevent it from being infected.

6. When an object gets stuck in the tooth

Young children can get objects stuck in their noses and sometimes, in their gums or teeth. If this happens, a parent should immediately take their child to a pediatric dentist, who will remove the object without causing (further) injury or damage.

7. When a child has a severe allergic reaction to dental medication

Some children have allergies to certain types of dental medication. If a child starts to experience an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, they should see an emergency dentist immediately. The dentist will give the child the necessary medications to counteract the allergic reaction and prevent it from worsening.

8. When a child has a toothache and a fever

A fever is usually a sign of infection, and it is crucial for parents to take their children to see an emergency dentist if they have a fever that accompanies a toothache. The dentist will assess the situation and take the necessary steps to treat the infection.

9. When a parent or caregiver is concerned

Sometimes, a parent or caregiver may be concerned about their child’s dental health but are not sure whether they need to see a dentist. In such cases, it is always better to err on the side of caution and take the child to see an emergency pediatric dentist. The dentist will assess the situation and advise the parent on the best course of action.

Our emergency dentists are here for you when the unexpected happens

Some situations cannot be resolved by waiting for a dental appointment, which is why we operate an emergency dental practice that caters to children and young teens. If your child is ever in need of emergency pedatric dental treatment, call us. We will be happy to help.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Middletown, NY.