Emergency Dental Information
Emergency Dentist Amarillo, TX
At Children's Dentistry of Amarillo, we're committed to helping our patients develop beautiful, healthy smiles that will last them a lifetime. Dr. Metcalf and his highly trained team of pediatric dental specialists work hard to make sure every patient is on the right path to dental and oral health. But, while a consistent oral hygiene regimen and frequent visits to our Amarillo office are usually enough to keep teeth healthy, sometimes unexpected dental emergencies occur. When they do, it is important to know how to proceed.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, it is critical to seek out medical attention immediately at an emergency dentist in Amarillo, TX. This page will give you more information on how to handle specific situations, but if you're unsure about something, it is always best to err on the side of caution and go to the emergency room. And if your child experiences anything close to a dangerous or even life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
When your child has a dental emergency, the team at Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced emergency dentists, Dr. Metcalf and Dr. Padilla, are equipped to provide prompt and effective dental care. As experienced professionals in the field of pediatric dentistry, they understand the unique dental needs of children, offering personalized and compassionate care during emergencies.
As your go-to emergency dentist in Amarillo, TX, we believe that timely intervention can often prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. That's why we aim to see your child as soon as possible, reducing their discomfort and preventing further dental complications.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If your child has suffered a tooth injury, is experiencing severe toothache, or any kind of oral discomfort, it could be a dental emergency. Some common types of pediatric dental emergencies include:
Toothache
Brief toothaches are common, and if your child experiences one, start by trying to clean the area around the sore tooth with warm salt water. NEVER use aspirin on the aching tooth or gum. However, you can use acetaminophen for temporary pain relief. If your child's face begins to swell, use a cold compress to keep the swelling down. Contact our Amarillo kids’ dentist as soon as possible to let us know about the incident, and we'll give you more detailed instructions for how to proceed.
Bitten or Cut Tongue, Cheek, or Lip
For a minor cut, applying ice to the area will help keep down the swelling and the pain. If the cut is bleeding, you may need to apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stem the bleeding. If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes even with the applied pressure, it's time to go to the emergency room.
Broken Tooth
If your child breaks a tooth, start by rinsing the area with warm water and using a cold compress on the face over the area of the injury. Recover any tooth fragments you can and call us immediately. If it's after hours, head straight to an urgent care facility or emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If your child accidentally knocks out a permanent tooth, the first thing to do is recover the tooth – but be careful to hold it by the top (crown) instead of the long root. Rinse the tooth, but avoid handling it more than necessary, then try reinserting it into the socket and holding it there with gauze or a clean cloth. If you can't reinsert the tooth, carry it in a cup of milk or water and call us immediately. Time is of the essence; so if it's after hours, go to the emergency room.
Potential Broken Jaw
This is the most serious injury on the list, so you'll need to treat it as such. If your child experiences a serious jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Then go straight to the emergency room.
Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth
Some bleeding after losing a baby tooth is normal. If your child experiences this, try folding over a piece of clean gauze and placing it on the area, then have your child bite down on it for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists after that, call our office or head to an emergency room.
Cold Sores and Canker Sores
Cold sores and canker sores are both common and usually nothing to worry about. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief. If sores become a larger problem for you, feel free to contact us, and we can take a look.
Your Amarillo Emergency Dentist Team - Dr. Metcalf and Dr. Padilla
Dr. Metcalf and Dr. Padilla are both skilled and empathetic dentists who excel in dealing with pediatric dental emergencies. They are committed to providing a comfortable environment for your child and ensure minimal distress during procedures. Their proficient approach and reassuring demeanor instil confidence in both parents and their young patients.
1. What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If your child knocks out a tooth, try to find the tooth and rinse it gently without touching the root. Contact our office immediately. Dr. Metcalf or Dr. Padilla will guide you through the next steps.
2. How can I alleviate my child's toothache?
Use warm water to rinse your child's mouth and gently floss to remove any food particles. If the pain persists, contact us right away.
3. What should I do if my child chips or fractures a tooth?
Rinse your child's mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken tooth fragments and contact our office immediately.
4. Can a tooth abscess be a dental emergency?
Yes. A tooth abscess is a serious dental condition that can cause fever, tooth sensitivity, and severe pain. It can potentially be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If your child shows signs of a dental abscess, call us immediately.
5. What should I do if an object is stuck in my child's teeth?
Try using dental floss to gently remove the object. If you cannot get the object out, call our office. Do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument.
6. What should I do if my child has a dental emergency outside of normal office hours?
Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry offers emergency dental services during our normal office hours. In case of an emergency that cannot wait until the following morning, head straight to the emergency room.
7. How can I prevent dental emergencies for my child?
Regular dental check-ups, using mouthguards during sports, and teaching your child good oral hygiene habits can help prevent dental emergencies.
8. Is it necessary to treat cavities in baby teeth?
Yes. It's important to treat cavities in baby teeth even though they will eventually fall out. Untreated cavities can lead to serious pain, infection, and may affect the development of permanent teeth.
Contact The Best Pediatric Dentist in Amarillo, TX
If you have more questions about how to deal with a dental emergency or would like to arrange an appointment with our pediatric dentist, our team is always happy to help. Feel free to call us at 806-351-0008, reach our Amarillo, TX office children’s dentistry via our Contact Us page, or fill out our easy online form. We look forward to helping your child develop a beautiful, healthy smile!