Emergency Information
Emergencies
Please call 503-692-3747. If the doctor is out of town, then another pediatric dentist will cover our emergencies for our patients of record. Note that our office can only see established patients after-hours. If a doctor comes in to the office after hours there is a separate additional fees to cover travel time.
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. See the dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Broken Braces and Wires
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with dental wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances, which do not bother the child, don't usually require emergency attention.
Broken Tooth
Broken and chipped teeth are a very common injury to front teeth. This can vary a lot in severity from a tiny chip in the enamel to a catastrophic root fracture. Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water, and place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Sometimes, it is hard to tell if the tooth is broken or entirely missing. Check the area for any signs of the missing tooth fragments or whole tooth. If the tooth is broken, it can be restored without the missing pieces. If the pulp is exposed there will be discomfort with the tooth. It may need a root canal if it is a permanent tooth.
Other Emergency Conditions
Possible Broken Jaw:
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out:
Fold and pack clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes.
Cold/Canker Sores:
Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
Artwork: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry