Emergency Pediatric Dental Care
Coronado, CA
During a dental emergency, patients need help fast. A qualified dentist delivers treatment, makes a diagnosis, and creates a care plan. Pediatric dentists soothe even the youngest patients. They also help parents understand treatment options. A pediatric dentist offers much-needed reassurance and support during emergencies.
Emergency pediatric dentistry is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Our team provides on-the-spot care if something goes wrong with your child's mouth. We help parents learn to prevent future tooth problems, too. Call us at (619) 435 6231 to learn more about our services.
Emergency Dental Services for Children
Pediatric dental emergencies can develop without warning. Often, childhood dental emergencies include:
- Oral bleeding
- Knocked-out permanent teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Fractured jaw
- Tooth pain
Dental emergencies can worsen quickly, and the injury may be more severe than it appears. When in doubt, call the dentist right away. A qualified dentist can determine the extent of the problem.
Seek an immediate evaluation if your child suffers a blow to the head or face. These injuries can sometimes be life-threatening. Do not wait until your dental office reopens. Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
A qualified provider can perform an in-depth exam. They can also create a treatment plan. Patients may need surgery, stitches, or medication after a dental injury. Some patients may need to visit the dentist several times to repair the damage. Your dental provider can explain more about the treatment timeline.
“Dental emergencies can worsen quickly, and the injury may be more severe than it appears.”
Recognizing Dental Emergencies in Children
Dental emergencies often occur after a fall or sports injury. Car or bicycle accidents can result in dental injuries too. A child might also cut their mouth or break a tooth while eating. Babies and toddlers often injure their mouths by chewing on objects besides food, such as toys, clothing, and more.
Many dental emergencies remain clear-cut: children may have oral bleeding or visible damage. Older children can also let their parents know when they have a toothache. But diagnosing dental emergencies in young children can be tricky. Toddlers and infants usually cannot verbalize their discomfort.
Notify your dental provider if your child has trouble chewing or swallowing. If your child does not eat or suck, it can be a sign of dental pain. Watch for facial swelling or unusual drooling too.
“Notify your dental provider if your child has trouble chewing or swallowing.”
When to Call 911
The loss of a permanent tooth constitutes a dental emergency. If your child's tooth has been knocked out, rinse it with clean water. Then reinsert the tooth into the jaw, if possible. If reinsertion is not an option, put the tooth in a glass of milk. Call the dentist immediately. If the dental office is closed, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Dental providers can often restore the tooth if you act quickly. But time is of the essence. Do not wait until the dental office reopens. Seek immediate care.
Contact your dental or medical provider if your child develops swollen cheeks. Facial swelling can be a sign of an infection. Oral infections can spread rapidly and may be life-threatening. If you cannot reach your usual provider, visit the emergency room.
Head injuries represent another reason to seek an immediate evaluation. If your child suffers a blow to the head, get help right away. Medical providers can perform tests to check for bone fractures or brain injury.
After visiting the ER, contact the dentist's office. Let our team know that your child experienced a dental emergency. We may decide to schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your child's recovery. We also provide follow-up care, including restorative dental treatments.
“If your child suffers a blow to the head, get help right away”
How to Prepare Your Child for Care During an Emergency
Parents and children often panic during a dental crisis. While anxiety represents a natural response to an emergency, parents need to stay calm. Children take their cues from adults. If parents remain calm, children can better manage their own emotions.
If necessary, begin by administering first-aid. Apply pressure to slow or stop bleeding. Recover any knocked-out tooth or a broken dental appliance. If you suspect a jaw injury, gently tie a towel or bandana around your child's jaw. Instruct your child to keep their mouth motionless.
Next, explain that your child will need to see a doctor or dentist. The medical or dental staff will help the child feel better. If possible, try to remain positive and upbeat. Provide your child with encouragement and reassurance.
“While anxiety represents a natural response to an emergency, parents need to stay calm.”
Where Child Dental Emergencies Take Place
Most childhood dental emergencies occur on the playground or sports field. Children often injure their mouths by playing sports or falling off a jungle gym. Parents can prevent dental emergencies by ensuring that children follow basic safety precautions. A mouthguard can also help protect your child's teeth. Mouthguards remain especially important for children with braces or other dental appliances.
Children can also suffer mouth injuries while chewing on non-food items. Do nott allow your child to chew or suck on household objects. Instead, offer young children pacifiers or store-bought chewing toys. Mash or cut up your toddler's food and never offer sharp foods like hard candies. Always supervise young children during snacks or mealtime.
“Most childhood dental emergencies occur on the playground or sports field.”
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Definition of Pediatric Dental Terminology
Dental Emergency
An incident involving the mouth that requires immediate attention due to bleeding, severe pain or the threat of tooth loss.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma is any injury to the face caused by an external force.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that does not erupt from the gums properly that can cause pain and become infected without professional extraction.
Injection-Molded Mouthguards
Injection-Molded Mouthguards help to create a much more specific fit with a type of molding material that fills available space instead of requiring a patient to boil the mouthguard in hot water.
Laminated Pressure-Formed Mouthguards
Laminated pressure-formed mouthguards require a process that involves applying high heat and pressure to form a mouthguard that meets the needs of the patient.
Mouthguard
A protective oral appliance that covers the teeth and gums to reduce the chance of injury usually during sports.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is the inflammation of soft tissues surrounding a tooth that does not fully erupt from the gums and causes pain.
Tooth Avulsion
Tooth avulsion is when the tooth completely displaces from the socket due to an accident or other health issues. We can replant the tooth if the patient seeks immediate care
Tooth Fracture
A tooth fracture can result from multiple sources including an accidental elbow to the face during a sports game, biting on something really hard, falling face first and more.
Vacuum Formed Mouthguard
A vacuum formed mouthguard involves customizing the mouthguard to match a mold of the individual patient’s teeth for a perfect fit.