Emergency FAQ’s

Dental emergencies can be nerve-wracking and scary, especially when our little ones are involved. At Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, we want to equip you with the tools and resources to deal with most pediatric dental emergencies at home, on your own. And, of course, if an emergency needs to be escalated to our children’s dentist, we will be there for you and ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing. Our Savannah, Statesboro and Pooler dental teams have put together some frequently asked questions about emergency pediatric dentistry and how to handle most situations at home.

 

What Should I Do If My Child Has A Toothache?

Have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water and try flossing around the area to remove any food particles that may be stuck between their teeth. We recommend taking acetaminophen to temporarily relieve the discomfort they feel. Please confirm the correct dosage for your child’s age, height, and weight. To control any facial swelling they may have, place a cold compress on the area. If the pain persists for more than one day, please contact us.

 

My Child Has Broken/Chipped A Tooth. What Should I Do?

Try to recover any of the broken tooth fragments of your child’s tooth/teeth. Rinse the area with warm water, then apply a cold compress to their face over the area that was injured. Then call your dentist right away for an emergency appointment.

 

What If My Child Has A Cut On Their Lip, Tongue, Or Cheek?

You can apply a cold pack to any bruised area. To control bleeding, apply firm, gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding won’t stop with pressure, or if it continues longer than 15 minutes, head to the nearest emergency room.

 

What Should I Do If My Child Has Cold Sores Or Canker Sores?

Over-the-counter canker sore medications can provide your child with temporary relief. If the sore doesn’t go away after several days, contact our office.

 

My Child Has Bleeding After A Primary Tooth Has Fallen Out. What Should I Do?

Place a folded piece of gauze tightly over the bleeding area and bite down for 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists, call us for further instructions.

 

What Should I Do If My Child Has Knocked Out A Permanent Tooth?

Recover the tooth by holding it by the top (crown) and not the root. You should rinse the tooth off but don’t clean or handle it more than necessary. Try to place the tooth back into your child’s socket, and hold it in place using a piece of gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a small container with milk. Time is of the essence when a tooth is knocked out, so contact us immediately to see us.

 

I Think My Child Has Broken Their Jaw. What Should I Do?

Tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief to stabilize the jaw and then immediately seek treatment at the nearest emergency room.

 

Contact Your Local Pediatric Dentist In Savannah, Statesboro & Pooler!

 

For further questions about pediatric dental emergencies, please never hesitate to contact Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry. Our dentist for kids and staff will be more than happy to talk through any situation with you and ensure that your child is safe. Our pediatric patients’ dental care is of the utmost importance, especially in emergencies. If you have a dental emergency outside of normal business hours, please call 843-620-2090, our emergency phone line. To schedule your next appointment, please request a visit at our Savannah or Statesboro dental office. We look forward to seeing you again soon!