Can a Pediatric Dentistry Perform Emergency Dental Procedures?

Can a Pediatric Dentistry Perform Emergency Dental Procedures? from Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry in Reston, VAWhen your child has a dental emergency, a visit to a pediatric dentistry office is likely necessary. Most pediatric offices are well equipped to handle serious dental injuries. In fact, taking your child to see their regular dentist can be very beneficial. Your child can feel more at ease than they would in a new environment, and the staff will be more up to speed with your child's dental health and specific needs.

Common dental emergencies in children

Tooth and gum injuries are relatively common, especially in active children. Some situations can wait a day or two for treatment, while others require more prompt attention.

Knocked-out teeth

When your child loses a permanent tooth, time is of the essence. Preserve the tooth by placing it in a cup of milk or, if your child is old enough, have them carefully hold it in their mouth inside their cheek. This will prevent the inner tissues from dying. If a pediatric dentistry professional can see your child within an hour or so, there is a decent chance that a preserved tooth can be reinserted and saved.

Prematurely lost baby teeth may not need to be saved, but it is still important to have a dentist check for remnants and potential injuries below the surface. The dentist may fit your child for a spacer or partial denture to wear until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, preventing alignment, speech, and digestive issues in the meantime.

Chips and cracks

Teeth with minor chips or cracks may be able to wait a few days for treatment, but any damage that exposes the softer tissues or roots requires immediate treatment. These injuries can quickly cause decay and infection, not to mention severe pain. If possible, a chipped or cracked tooth may be treated with dental bonding to fill in the gaps and reconstruct lost tissue. If the damage is severe, a dental crown may be needed instead.

Severe oral pain

If your child is complaining of sudden, severe, or chronic tooth pain, they should see a dentist promptly. Your child may be dealing with severe tooth decay that could lead to an infection. Fillings are the most common type of treatment for cavities, but if the decay has spread enough to weaken the overall structure of the tooth, a dental crown may be used instead.

Signs of infection

Dental infections should be taken very seriously. Over time, they can spread and enter the bloodstream, leading to a serious and even life-threatening condition known as sepsis. If your child develops any of these symptoms, they should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible:

  • Severe or intense oral pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Oozing or drainage
  • Heat at the site
  • The formation of a bubble along the gum line
  • A fever that accompanies any of the above symptoms

Draining of the infection site, antibiotics, and tooth extraction are all possible treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Reston, VA

Conclusion

In the event of a dental emergency, contact your child's pediatric dentistry office right away. They can offer guidance and will likely be able to see and treat your child.

Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

Recent Posts

How Painless Pediatric Dentistry Can Ease Your Child's Fears

Children are often afraid to go to the dentist because it is a new, unfamiliar place full of sights, smells, and sounds that they do not know, but the good news is that painless pediatric dentistry is one possible solution to help your child get to know the dentist in a positive light. By avoiding…

First-Time Visit To A Pediatric Dentist: A Parent's Guide

When parents decide to take their child to the dentist for the first time, they often do not know what to expect, but fortunately, a pediatric dentist is a professional who dedicates their attention to treating children, which can help put your mind at ease. That said, knowing what your child (and you!) will go…

Exploring Pediatric Dental Services: What Parents Should Know

Curious about pediatric dental services? Read on to learn more. Protecting their children's smiles and dental health should be a top priority for every parent. Pediatric dental services are essential today due to the changing healthcare environment and increasing demand for oral hygiene. This article covers some of these services and what every parent needs…

Recent Posts

Why You Should Consider Invisalign For Teens

Why You Should Consider Invisalign For Teens

If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…

Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign For Teens

Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign For Teens

As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…