If your child has a dental emergency, please call (508) 625-5534. We will find the cause of your child’s dental emergency and provide prompt care.
Emergency dental care is an integral part of pediatric dental care services. Sudden or severe dental problems require prompt care from a dental professional.
At Children’s Dental Specialties, we offer emergency dentistry services in Worcester, MA, to help patients stay healthy and maintain their natural smiles. Emergency dentists can find the cause of unknown dental problems and recommend the right solution to a dental problem.
Emergency Pediatric Dentistry in Worcester, MA
Discover what we can do for common pediatric dental emergencies and what steps you can take at home if your child has a dental emergency:
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, examine their teeth and gums. Look for signs of gum swelling, dark or white spots on the teeth, redness, and bleeding gums. Taking note of any symptoms and a thorough examination in our office will help us determine the cause of their toothache.
Many common symptoms accompany toothaches, including:
- A sudden, shooting pain
- Tooth pain worsening during sleep
- Chronic, dull pain
- Sensitivity to temperature, bite pressure, or sweet foods
We can provide many services depending on the cause of the toothache. Our team may provide antibiotics, schedule tooth extractions, provide root canal treatment, or recommend a dental cleaning.
Broken Tooth
There are two types of tooth fractures: crown and root fractures. Crown fractures occur when the tooth visible above the gum line breaks and the tooth root remains intact. We can restore the tooth if only one corner of the tooth breaks. Otherwise, we may need to extract the tooth.
With root fractures, you can’t tell the tooth is fractured. We will need to take a dental x-ray to view the tooth. Depending on the severity of the break, we will monitor the tooth, provide a splint, or extract the tooth.
Loosened or Knocked-Out Tooth
Does your child have a loosened tooth from a dental injury? Call our office; we can examine the tooth even if it isn’t knocked out. This is because the tooth can still sustain nerve damage or have a root fracture.
If your child’s adult tooth is knocked out, try to locate the tooth. Hold the tooth by its top or crown, and avoid the roots. Transport the tooth to our office in a cup of saliva to keep it moist. Have your child bite on a clean piece of cotton, tissue, or gauze to minimize bleeding.
Injured Soft Tissues
Contact us if your child has a dental injury involving damage to the gums, lip, tongue, or other soft tissues of the mouth. We can suture the tissue if necessary. Sometimes, children only need an ice pack and gauze to reduce swelling and stop bleeding.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about emergency dentistry in our Worcester, MA office:
Is losing a baby tooth an emergency?
Losing a baby tooth is a normal part of growing up. Most kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6, and it’s a sign that adult teeth are coming in. However, if a baby’s tooth is knocked out too early due to an accident or injury, visiting our office is a good idea. We will ensure everything is okay and the adult tooth will come in properly. If your child is in pain or there’s a lot of bleeding, you should also call the dentist.
What if my child has an object stuck between their teeth?
If your child has something stuck between their teeth, try using dental floss to gently remove it. Be careful not to push too hard, as this could hurt their gums. Never use sharp objects like toothpicks, as they can damage the teeth or gums.
If flossing doesn’t work and the object is still stuck, it’s best to call your dentist. They can safely remove it and check to ensure no damage to the teeth or gums.
How do I prevent dental emergencies?
First, if your child plays sports or other physical activities, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. Monitor young children during activities to prevent falls or accidents that could hurt their teeth.
Teach your child not to chew on hard things like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels, which can crack or break teeth. You can also help your child avoid habits like chewing on pencils, fingernails, or other hard objects that could damage their teeth.
Routine dental care is also essential to preventing dental emergencies. Regular brushing and flossing help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy. It can reduce the risk of decay and infection that could lead to emergencies.
Take your child to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. This allows the dentist to catch problems early before they become emergencies.
How do I help my child stay calm during a dental emergency?
To help your child stay calm during a dental emergency, try to stay calm yourself. Children often look to adults for reassurance, so taking a deep breath and speaking in a soothing voice can make a big difference. Explain to your child that the dentist will help them feel better and that you’re there to keep them safe.
Offer comfort by holding their hand or giving them a hug if they need it. Distractions like talking about something they enjoy or using a favorite toy can also help them feel less scared. Remember, staying calm and positive will help your child feel more secure during the emergency.
What should I do if my child cracks or chips a tooth?
If your child cracks or chips a tooth, gently rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area. Then, apply a cold compress on their cheek to reduce any swelling. If you can find the chipped piece, keep it and take it to our dentist.
Contact us as soon as possible. We will let you know if your child needs to come in right away or if it can wait. If your child is in pain, you can give them over-the-counter pain medicine, but avoid giving them anything directly on the tooth.
What if my child has a tooth abscess or pus around a tooth?
If your child has a tooth abscess or pus around a tooth, seek dental care right away. A tooth abscess is a serious infection that can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the tooth or gums. First, call our dental office. An abscess can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, so prompt treatment is essential.
You can give your child Tylenol or Advil to help with the pain. Follow the dosage instructions for their age and weight. If your child is old enough to do so safely, you can have them rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help reduce pain and swelling. Never try to squeeze the pus out of the abscess. This can make the infection worse.
Is it safe to give my child pain relievers for a dental injury?
Yes, giving your child pain relievers for a dental injury is usually safe, but you should always follow the directions on the label or consult your child’s doctor or dentist first. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Be sure to give the correct dose based on your child’s age and weight.
How can I prevent dental emergencies in children?
To help prevent dental emergencies in children, follow these tips:
- Get your child a custom mouthguard if they play sports.
- Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses once daily.
- Encourage your child to avoid hard foods (like ice or hard candy) and sticky candies (like taffy or gummies) that can break or pull out teeth.
- Remind your child not to bite their nails, chew on pencils, or use their teeth to open things.
- Take your child to our dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Contact Our Dental Office
Does your child require emergency dental care? Call us for care today at (508) 625-5534. Alternatively, if your child does not have a dental emergency but requires dental care, you can schedule a dental visit online.