How To Handle Dental Emergencies
If your child has a dental emergency, rest assured our Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team is always available to help.
During business hours, call our St. Anne’s Road office at 431-317-7777 or our Portage Avenue office at 204-956-2060 to speak to a member of our team. If you need to call after business hours, please leave a message, and we’ll reach out as soon as possible.
Types of Dental Emergencies
If you’re unsure whether your child’s situation constitutes a dental emergency, please refer to this list of emergencies that require immediate care.
Your Child’s Permanent Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
When a tooth is forcefully knocked out, it can result in significant bleeding. Immediate action is crucial to control the bleeding.
Apply direct pressure with a cold compress to help stem the bleeding.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to retrieve the dislodged tooth, then gently rinse it to remove any debris without touching the root. You can attempt to place the tooth back into its socket.
Alternatively, you may store the tooth in a cup of milk or wrap it in a cool, damp cloth.
Remember, the sooner we can reimplant the tooth, the higher its chances of survival. Please seek immediate assistance from us so that we can quickly splint the tooth. It's important to note that baby teeth should not be reimplanted.
Loose or Misaligned Permanent Tooth Due to Trauma
If you notice a permanent tooth that feels loose or appears misaligned, it's important to address the issue promptly.
Avoid attempting to force the tooth back into its original position. Instead, apply gentle pressure to stabilize it, or have your child bite down softly to keep it in place until we can examine them.
Please schedule an appointment with us at your earliest convenience so that we can provide the necessary care.
Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
If your child has a chipped or broken tooth that isn't causing any pain or sensitivity, it may not be classified as a dental emergency.
However, it’s still important to bring them in to see one of our doctors as soon as possible to address the issue.
Regardless of the extent of the damage, your child should refrain from chewing with the affected tooth to avoid potential complications. Please schedule an appointment with us, and we’ll work to contain the problem and provide appropriate care.
Abscess
An abscess refers to an infection that develops around the root or gum line of a tooth, often causing significant pain and potential swelling in the surrounding tissues.
It’s crucial to seek immediate treatment for abscesses to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
If you notice the presence of an abscess, please don't hesitate to contact our office. Our team will provide prompt attention and the necessary care to address the situation effectively.
Broken Appliance
Broken appliance wires can pose risks to the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to potential injury, bleeding, and difficulty in speaking and eating.
It's important to address damaged appliances promptly to prevent discomfort or further harm. Immediate repair is necessary to ensure your child's oral well-being.
Please contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll promptly fix the damaged appliances to restore comfort and functionality.
Facial Fracture
If your child has experienced a facial injury resulting in broken bones and/or teeth, please treat it as both a medical and dental emergency. Once the immediate safety concerns have been addressed, it’s essential to assess and treat any damage to the mouth.
While oral issues that don't require immediate attention can typically be addressed during regular office hours, we recommend you schedule a visit to Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics as soon as possible once a problem is observed. Delayed treatment can potentially lead to severe complications.
We prioritize the well-being of your child's oral health, and our team is prepared to provide timely and comprehensive care.
