When To Take Your Child to an Emergency Pediatric Dentist
Wondering what constitutes a dental emergency in children? Read on to learn what merits a visit to an emergency pediatric dentist. An emergency pediatric dentist is a valuable resource for your child, similar to a hospital's urgent care center. Although it is recommended that patients see the dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings, one should never ignore a serious tooth problem.
When to visit the emergency pediatric dentist
In the event of a dental emergency, there are benefits to seeing a pediatric dentist. This dental professional is equipped to diagnose and treat even the most difficult cases of oral health issues. If a child is experiencing discomfort or anxiety, a pediatric dentist will know how to best soothe and reassure them. Below are situations that may warrant visiting an emergency pediatric dentist:
Severe tooth pain
Tooth sensitivity and pain are common issues for kids. The consumption of sweet foods or hot or cold beverages may trigger these sensations in children. When the pain is severe or ongoing, it should be treated as an emergency. Parents should not put off taking their children to the dentist. If a child is experiencing severe tooth pain, it is imperative that they see a pediatric dentist immediately.
Broken tooth
Children who engage in a lot of physical activity are at risk for a wide range of injuries. If a parent thought their kid had broken a bone, they probably would not delay taking them to the doctor. Similarly, parents should treat a broken tooth as an emergency. A broken tooth is not just an esthetic issue but also a source of pain and suffering. Moreover, an emergency pediatric dentist can typically quickly repair and save the tooth.
Bleeding gums
If the child’s gums bleed severely or persistently, this could be a dental emergency. This might be a sign of gum disease or infection, which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss and other unpleasant consequences. Get dental treatment immediately if the child's gums are bleeding profusely or if the bleeding does not stop after several minutes.
Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out tooth is an emergency, and it goes without saying that parents should rush their child to the dentist if it happens. It is possible to save the tooth if the dentist acts quickly. The pediatric dentist on call may decide that replacing the tooth is the best option. If the knocked-out tooth is found, it should be placed in some milk and brought to the dentist's office.
Facial swelling
Severe facial swelling, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fever or trouble breathing, may indicate a dental emergency. This might be a sign of a tooth abscess or infection, which, if left untreated, could spread to other regions of the body. If the child's face is swollen, parents should take them to the dentist right away.
Tooth infection
This condition can be worse than serious tooth decay. When the pulp at the base of a tooth becomes infected, the tooth becomes abscessed. The emergency pediatric dentist will seal the tooth with a crown after performing a root canal. An abscessed tooth, if left untreated, may cause an infection that spreads through the rest of the mouth and potentially the rest of the body.
The bottom line
Knowing when your kid is facing a dental emergency and when to take them to the dentist immediately is important. When in doubt, it is best to play it safe and get in touch with your emergency pediatric dentist. The dental professional will recommend the best treatment approach.
Request an appointment here: https://pediatric-dental-arts.com or call Pediatric Dental Arts at (617) 924-1911 for an appointment in our Watertown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Pediatric Dentist in Watertown, MA.
Recent Posts
You may know that bringing your child to the dentist twice a year is important, but you may be less sure about when to see an emergency pediatric dentist. Some dental complaints may be able to wait to be treated, but certain symptoms and signs indicate that emergency treatment is necessary. There are certain instances in…
A pediatric dental emergency can arise unexpectedly as a result of a fall or other sudden injury. Other situations might be caused by tooth decay or infection. These emergencies can be frightening for both children and parents, especially if a tooth is broken or knocked out entirely. Knowing how to react in the wake of…
When you have little children, trips to the emergency room are common because their immune systems are not as developed, making them more susceptible to diseases, and the same applies to their oral care — especially if your child’s teeth are still growing — which means you should have an emergency pediatric dentist on speed…
Dental bonding for kids is not something you see every day, but it is sometimes necessary to keep a child from losing their teeth too early due to damage and decay. You may have heard of this procedure before for adults, but it is also very useful for kids and can dramatically improve the look…