There are numerous reasons that patients throughout Massachusetts need an emergency dentist. A dental emergency can strike at any time. Dr. Raffa, and our staff at Pediatric Dental Arts, will try to accommodate any last minute appointment requests, so that your child does not have to live with any oral pain. If your child has a toothache or a major dental emergency, call 617-924-1911 right away. We offer extended hours as needed and will do our best to get your child treated immediately.
The American Dental Association reported that the number one cause of adult tooth damage every year is playing sports. This spans all types of athletics and creates the need for emergency appointments throughout Watertown, MA. Children involved in sports face equal risk of damaging their teeth. Even a backyard game of basketball can lead to a tooth being damaged or knocked out. By having your child wear a mouth guard, you can help to protect your child's teeth. However, when an emergency strikes, call (617) 924-1911.
Car accidents are another cause of tooth injury. While the enamel on your child's teeth is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent a tooth from breaking when colliding with the back of a seat or part of the car. With millions of accidents a year, teeth are more common of a victim than people realize. We recommend that patients of Pediatric Dental Arts, get examined at a local emergency room after being in a car accident, just to make sure that they have not sustained any physical injuries. Afterwards, patients in the Watertown, MA, area should call for a dentist appointment. The emergency room does not treat tooth damage, so you will need to see both types of medical providers.
Severe and sudden toothaches are another reason people in Massachusetts end up needing an emergency dentist. Dr. Raffa, can examine children's teeth, and determine what is causing the pain. It may be a little cavity that grew into a big one, now requiring a root canal. Another possibility is gum disease, which can cause the gums to recede, leaving the tooth and root exposed. Both can lead to intense pain and require emergency treatment. We do our best to make sure that patients of Pediatric Dental Arts, are treated right away and kept comfortable during the procedure. We will also make sure that our patients return home with the necessary steps and medications to feel comfortable after the procedure.
If a tooth infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to a dental abscess. An abscess is a major tooth infection that can settle into the jawbone and the floor of the mouth. If it does, oral surgery may be necessary to remove the infection. We can let you know if we see an abscess during your child's dental exam with Dr. Raffa.
99% of dental related emergency room trips could have been handled by an emergency dental office for a fraction of the cost.
AHRQ, November 2012
We help children, throughout Watertown and the surrounding area, stay comfortable and live a pain-free life. If your child comes into our Pediatric Dental Arts, offices experiencing pain, we will identify what is creating the issue and recommend the treatment options available for dealing with it. Often, we will also prescribe medication to help with the pain. This can prevent your child from feeling discomfort during the procedure and afterward. You may also want to apply a cold compress/ice pack to the area in order to reduce or prevent swelling.
When a tooth has fallen out…
If your child's tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Once located, rinse the tooth under lukewarm water without scrubbing it. Next, place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your child's dental appointment. We will try to save the tooth, if possible. If not, Dr. Raffa, will discuss options for replacing the tooth.
When a tooth is broken…
It is common for children to damage a tooth while playing sports or eating. It is likely the damage will result in the tooth becoming cracked or chipped. As long as the tooth structure remains in place, it can be corrected with pediatric dentistry. There are multiple ways to restore teeth in Massachusetts. Some of which include dental bonding or a dental crown. Both are excellent options that can restore your child's tooth to full functionality and maintain a natural appearance. As an emergency dental facility, we can provide you with information on what your options are and the best way to restore your child's tooth. We can also help your child achieve the goals for his or her smile. To schedule an appointment, call 617-924-1911.
When a tooth is infected…
As an emergency dentist, we will assess the situation, inform you of what is infected, and offer the best way to treat it quickly. Our job is to keep your child comfortable, healthy and pain-free. Our patients in Watertown, MA, trust us to remove infections, while also keeping their teeth and gums in excellent oral health. If we are fixing a general cavity or treating a dental abscess, we will free the patient from infection and pain. Dr. Raffa, is an expert at resolving the issue in a way that keeps patients comfortable during any necessary procedures.
At Pediatric Dental Arts, we strive to keep our patients comfortable and free from pain. As such, we are cognizant of the fact that most dental emergencies are unplanned and may not happen during normal business hours. If your child's tooth has been damaged or your child is in pain, call (617) 924-1911 right away. As soon as we receive your call, we will schedule an appointment and quickly treat the issue. Our friendly staff will accommodate your schedule and ensure that your child can get back to a better life after the procedure. While many dentists require you to schedule appointments far in advance, our staff will work with you in each situation to treat your child as soon as possible. You can also help to avoid dental emergencies by having your child's teeth cleaned twice a year and help your child maintain a healthy diet year-round.
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Q: What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in lukewarm water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Get to the Emergency Dentist immediately. (Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
Q: What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact your emergency dental office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.
Q: What if my child's tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Contact your Dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if the lip was also injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: You need immediate medical attention. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.
Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call our office immediately. 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 near the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
If you live in the Watertown area, call 617-924-1911 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good health or receive treatment for a current condition.
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