When it comes to our kids and their health, every little thing seems like a big deal. We are ready to run to the emergency room the second they "Owie!" and point a finger to their tooth. But, do you really need to?
What is a dental emergency exactly? Keep reading to find out more!
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention due to severe pain, injury, or risk of infection. For example, a broken tooth, severe tooth pain or an abscess are conditions that require emergency dentistry.
Failing to get swift care can worsen the condition and even lead to more serious complications.
Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them:
If your child knocked a baby tooth out, rinse their mouth and take them to their dentist.
But, if it's a permanent tooth, you need to act very quickly as the chances of saving the tooth are highest if they see a dentist within the first hour.
Clean their mouth and try to control the bleeding first. Then locate the tooth, handle it by the crown, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that's not possible, place it in milk until you get to the dentist.
A toothache can range from mildly annoying to extremely painful. When the pain is so severe that it's interfering with your child's normal life, it is considered an emergency.
Sometimes, a crack can be so small that it doesn't cause any troubles at all. Other times, a broken or cracked tooth can expose the nerve inside, causing extreme discomfort and increasing the risk of infection. That's when you need emergency dentistry.
A dental abscess is actually pus accumulated around a tooth or in the gums due to infection. This is a serious condition that can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Urgent dental care is essential here.
Swelling in the jaw can be a sign of infection, especially if it's also accompanied by fever and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Don't wait a minute longer and get in touch with a dentist right away.
Sometimes, bleeding can be caused by an injury like a blow to the face. It can also be a sign of disease or an infection. If the bleeding doesn't stop with gentle pressure or occurs spontaneously, seek immediate dental care.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, then rest assured that the team at Desert Kids Dental is here to restore their oral health.
Call Dr. Sandra Thompson at (702) 660-7099, tell her about your emergency and she will offer the guidance you need.
For regular appointments, don't hesitate to contact us online too.