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PEDIATRIC DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Your Partners In Pediatric Dental Emergency Care In Raleigh, Garner, and Smithfield, NC

When a pediatric dental emergency strikes, trust our dedicated team to provide urgent care for your child’s dental needs. Our pediatric dental experts in Raleigh, Garner, and Smithfield, North Carolina are equipped to handle a range of emergencies, from toothaches to broken teeth, to ensure your child receives prompt and compassionate treatment when it matters most. Rest assured, we’re here to help your child smile brightly again.

Pediatric dental emergency

Common Types of Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Kids can’t help it. They have curious minds and are learning the world. Sometimes that means accidents happen, but knowing how to respond during a crisis can make the difference in saving your child’s tooth! Here are some examples of possible dental emergencies:

A fractured tooth can happen when your child is playing sports, or maybe they fell off their bike, fell down from a tree or suffered an accident during gym class. It’s important to know that sometimes the break in your child’s tooth may not be easily seen, especially if it is bleeding. It may also break into several pieces. We recommend preserving the broken sections as much as possible to increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. If you can’t, don’t worry–that happens frequently. However, you do want to lower the risk of infection by placing a damp cloth over the affected tooth and applying pressure until you can get treatment.

If a permanent tooth becomes loose (wiggles around significantly) after an accident, first check to see if there is any bleeding. If so, stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze. Then, you should call our office to have your child seen.

A knocked out tooth can be scary for you and your child. Here’s what you need to know in the event your child loses a permanent tooth.
On the way to our office, be sure to:

  • Respond quickly. Make your way to our office IMMEDIATELY. Time is of the essence when saving the tooth—30 minutes is ideal
  • If the tooth is still attached, keep it in the empty socket with gauze
  • If it came out, place the tooth in a paper cup and add milk to prevent the roots from drying out
  • Do not overly touch the tooth to reduce the risk of infection

If your child loses a baby tooth, the Tooth Fairy will just have to pay a visit a little earlier! You should still call our office to check in and make an appointment. Our pediatric dentists will want to examine the health of the gums surrounding the lost tooth area.

A toothache can, more often than not, be resolved at home. A few simple steps can help alleviate the problem such as cleaning the area around the impacted tooth, rinsing with warm salt water, and flossing to see if any food is trapped between the tooth. You can also take Advil or Tylenol for pain.

It is crucial that you do not move the jaw after a possible break. First, you’ll want to stabilize it. You can do so by tying a towel over the top of your child’s head. Head to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.

Wrap a gauze pad or a fresh washcloth around the bleeding spot. Hold it there for 15 minutes, then repeat if needed.

Occasionally, children may develop canker sores. Applying vitamin E oil or using other over-the-counter remedies typically provides relief. If the sores persist or are severe, consulting a dentist is advisable.

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Is Here To Help

If your child has suffered a dental emergency and is in severe pain, call our office right away at (919) 719-1780. Additionally, if you are unsure whether your child should be seen or not, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help answer any questions you may have and ease your mind when an emergency arises.

Slide To See How We Repair Broken Teeth

Badly chipped tooth Crooked teeth
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Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise

When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.