Your Dentist Can Help With Your Child’s Dental Emergency!
It seems that children have a talent for getting into sticky situations. While some of their antics will make for good stories a few years down the road, they can have long-term consequences if you don’t handle them well in the moment. If your child experiences a dental emergency, what should you do? Your dentist in Renton is here to provide useful tips to get you through any tooth crisis.
If a Primary Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If one of your child’s primary (baby) teeth gets knocked out, you may not have much to worry about. However, you should still call your emergency dentist in Renton right away. Your dental care provider may ask you questions over the phone to assess the situation so they can make a recommendation.
You might simply be advised to give your child some mild painkillers and make sure they eat soft foods for a few days. However, if you suspect that the injury goes beyond a knocked out tooth — for example, if you think the jaw might have been damaged — head to a dentist or emergency room right away.
If a Tooth Becomes Loose
When a tooth gets knocked loose but doesn’t come out all the way, you should still call your child’s dentist and ask what to do. You might need to go to the office to get an x-ray or to have a professional do a visual examination. In many cases, your child will just need to eat a soft diet for a few days and be careful with the tooth so it has a chance to firmly reattach itself.
If a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Your little one might be old enough to have permanent teeth, in which case an avulsed (knocked out) tooth becomes a much more serious matter. As soon as the incident happens, call your dentist, and then hurry into the office. Be sure to bring the tooth with you. If your child can receive treatment within 30 – 60 minutes after the incident, the dentist might be able to reattach the tooth.
To increase the chances that the tooth won’t be lost forever, handle it carefully. If your child is able to, have them store it in its original socket until you get to the dentist. Otherwise, keep it in a glass of milk or cool water.
Other Dental Emergencies
A loose or avulsed tooth aren’t the only dental emergencies that can happen to your child. Regardless of the situation, be sure to check for bleeding and try to determine the extent of the injury. Above all, call a professional who can recommend your next steps.
A dental emergency can pop up any time. Be prepared to act quickly so your child’s smile can stay healthy and happy.
About the Dentist
Dr. Sam DK Kim leads the team at SDK Dental Care in Renton. He is passionate about providing top-notch dental care to his patients, and he is always willing to help with emergencies. If you have questions about how to handle a dental crisis, contact our office at 253-277-8767.
