When your child needs urgent dental treatment, your pediatric dentist stands ready to help. Please keep the emergency number available and convenient. Our office provides 24-hour emergency call coverage in case of dental emergencies.

What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.

What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water while holding the tooth by the crown. (Avoid touching the root of the tooth and do not scrub or clean it with soap -- use only water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk or saliva. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. If the accident happens after hours, call the emergency number. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.