Emergency Care

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency including pain, swelling or a dental trauma please contact our office immediately at 586-754-6300. One of our Pediatric Dentists is available after hours for emergency calls.

What if my child has a toothache?

If your child has a toothache, please call our office to set-up an appointment for evaluation and treatment of the pain. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but DO NOT put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

What if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, please contact our office immediately. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth. If possible, please try to locate the baby tooth to make sure the child did not swallow the tooth. If your child’s gums, lips or mouth are bleeding following trauma apply pressure with a gauze or washcloth to the area.

What if my child’s adult tooth is knocked out?

If your child’s adult tooth is knocked out, please contact our office immediately. Please save the tooth and rinse gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap –– use only water!) If possible, replant the tooth in the socket in the mouth and have the child bite gently on a clean gauze or washcloth until you get to our office. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water; and bring the tooth and your child to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better the chances are of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped for fractured?

If your child chips or fractures a tooth, please call our office. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

What about a severe blow to the head or jaw?

If your child has had a severe blow to the head or jaw, please call 911 and seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room. A severe head injury can be life threatening. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. If your child shows signs of concussion such as blurred vision and/or vomiting, loss of consciousness, please seek immediate treatment at a hospital emergency room.

Can Dental Injuries Be Prevented?

Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouth guard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, childproof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental check-ups provide our Pediatric Dentist an opportunity to discuss additional age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.