Dental emergencies are always a bit shocking, especially when it comes to pediatric patients. While it can feel overwhelming in the moment, knowing how to respond helps you stay calm and make smart decisions. Children’s Dental Center is here to help you navigate these situations with clarity and care.
How to Reach Us in an Emergency
We know emergencies don’t follow a neat schedule. If your child is in pain or you suspect a dental emergency, here’s how to contact us:
- During Office Hours: Call us at 901.808.7227
- After Hours: Listen to the voicemail for instructions, and you’ll be connected to our on-call dentist.
We always have a provider available to speak with you and offer clear next steps. Quick access to professional care can make all the difference.
Common Myths About Kids’ Dental Emergencies
Our team wants to start by helping dispel some popular beliefs about dental emergencies. In the age of the Internet, it can be hard to discern what’s true and what isn’t. When in doubt, turn to professionals like Dr. Rowland, Dr. Selecman, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Greene, and Dr. Church.
Myth #1: Baby teeth aren’t important.
Many parents think baby teeth don’t matter since they eventually fall out. However, baby teeth play a major role in guiding the development of permanent teeth. Early loss can lead to space issues, misalignment, and speech or eating difficulties. They also help maintain jaw structure and oral health during critical developmental years.
Myth #2: It’s fine to wait and see.
Delaying care can turn a minor problem into a far bigger one. A minor chip might not hurt now, but it can crack further or become infected if left untreated. Some injuries, like dental intrusions or gum abscesses, require prompt evaluation even if your child seems unbothered.
Myth #3: No pain means no problem.
Pain isn’t the only sign of a dental issue. Infection, nerve damage, or structural issues might not hurt initially, but can progress quickly. If a tooth is loose, discolored, or out of place—even if your child isn’t complaining—get it checked.
Myth #4: DIY fixes are a safe first step.
Never try to push a tooth back into place or snip a poking orthodontic wire with scissors. Home remedies can cause more harm or make professional treatment harder. It’s always safest to call our office for guidance.
Myth #5: Only visible damage is worth calling about.
A swollen face, a small sore, or bleeding gums may not seem urgent but could signal a deeper issue. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to call and rule out a serious problem.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some problems can wait for a regular appointment, but others require immediate care. You can contact us and refer to this informational sheet from the American Dental Association.
These require same-day attention:
- Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in a container of milk. Seek care within 30 minutes.
- Loose or Misaligned Permanent Tooth: If trauma caused a tooth to shift or loosen, do not force it back. Have your child bite gently and call us.
- Swelling or Abscess: Signs of infection, like pain, swelling, pus, or fever, should be evaluated right away.
- Heavy Oral Bleeding or Facial Trauma: If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure or if your child may have a facial fracture, contact us or head to the ER.
These should still be evaluated quickly:
- Chipped or Cracked Tooth: If there’s no pain, it may not need same-day care, but you should still call immediately to avoid worsening damage.
- Broken Braces or Appliances: Protruding wires can cut soft tissues. Cover the end with orthodontic wax and call us or your orthodontist for guidance.
- Mild Toothache or Object Stuck Between Teeth: Try flossing gently. If the issue persists, schedule an appointment.
Being Prepared for the Unexpected
Emergencies can always happen, but a few smart habits can help dramatically reduce the odds for your child:
- Have your child wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
- Let kids know that teeth should never be used to open packages.
- Keep up with your child’s routine dental checkups to catch small problems early.
- Add our phone number to your emergency contacts.
Emergency Solutions You Can Trust
If a child in your family ever experiences one of these emergency events, rest assured that our team is fully prepared to help handle it. You can find us in Arlington, Collierville, or Midtown.