Emergency Pediatric Dentist
When your child has a dental emergency, you need fast, compassionate care. Learn what to do for a knocked-out tooth, toothache, or other pediatric dental emergencies and who to call for help.
Blake Hundley
Aug 20, 2025
When Your Child Needs a Dentist, Fast
There are few things more stressful than when your child is in pain or has had an accident. A dental emergency, whether from a fall on the playground or a sudden, throbbing toothache, can leave any parent feeling helpless. In these moments, you need clear guidance and a calm, trusted professional.
Knowing how to handle a pediatric dental emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome. This guide will walk you through the most common dental injuries in children, outline the immediate steps to take, and explain when to contact an emergency pediatric dentist.
A Parent's Guide to Kids' Dental Emergencies
Is It a True Dental Emergency?
While you should always call a dentist if you're concerned, these situations require immediate professional attention:
A Knocked-Out Adult Tooth: This is a time-sensitive emergency.
A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth: While not always reimplanted, an evaluation is necessary to check for other potential damage.
A Severely Cracked or Broken Tooth: Especially if a large piece has broken off or there is pain.
A Tooth That Has Been Pushed Out of Position (Luxated).
A severe toothache could be a sign of a deep cavity or infection.
A Facial Injury involving the mouth, lips, or gums with significant bleeding.
Swelling in the Face, Gums, or Jaw: Could indicate a severe infection or abscess.
Immediate Steps to Take: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes
How you respond can save a tooth and prevent complications.
For a Knocked-Out Permanent (Adult) Tooth:
Stay calm. Find the tooth.
Hold it only by the crown (the white chewing part), never the root.
If dirty, gently rinse it with milk or cool water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it.
Gently place it back into the socket and have your child bite on a clean cloth.
If you can't, put the tooth in a small cup of milk or your child's saliva. Do not use water.
Call an emergency pediatric dentist immediately. The tooth has the best chance of survival if treated within an hour.
For a Cracked or Broken Tooth:
Rinse your child's mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress to their face to minimize swelling.
Save any broken pieces of the tooth you can find.
For a Severe Toothache:
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water.
Check to see if any food is lodged around the tooth, and gently floss if needed.
Do not apply aspirin or heat directly to the tooth or gums.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
Our priority is to make your child feel safe and to get them out of pain.
Calm & Compassionate Care: We are experienced in helping anxious children (and parents!) feel at ease.
Quick Assessment: We will gently examine the injury and may take X-rays to see the full extent of the damage.
Pain Relief & Treatment: We will address pain immediately and then discuss the best course of action, whether it's re-implanting a tooth, placing a filling, or treating an infection.
Your Partner in Protecting Your Child's Smile
Accidents happen, but being prepared can make all the difference. In a pediatric dental emergency, a swift and calm response, along with immediate professional care, are key to a positive outcome. You don't have to handle these stressful situations alone.
Always keep the contact information for a trusted emergency dentist handy.
Does Your Child Have a Dental Emergency? If your child is in pain or has suffered a dental injury, call Gardens Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry now. Our compassionate team is here to provide the urgent, gentle care your child needs.
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