When your child is having a dental emergency, every moment matters. It’s crucial to give them the care they need as soon as possible. Contact us right away to speak with our team and save that little smile! Unsure if your kiddo is having a dental emergency? Keep reading.
.png)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
What is Emergency Pediatric Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is a field of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosing and treating emergency oral health issues like knocked out or damaged teeth, severe pain, signs of tooth infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and accidental biting of the inside of the mouth. By the nature of an emergency, these oral health problems are unexpected and can cause unwanted side effects and complications. At Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry we can alleviate your child's pain, take x-rays to locate and diagnose the problem, and formulate a treatment plan that will repair damaged teeth and prevent serious complications.
Did you know…
If your child loses a baby tooth early, this is a serious emergency. The baby teeth help form the paths the adult teeth take when they erupt.
Ready to
schedule your appointment?
Problem-Focused Exams
When issues arise, our team can perform problem-focused exams (also known as limited exams) to help address the issues. Limited exams allow us to focus on what’s hurting or injured so we can get your kiddo out of pain fast.
After Hours Appointments
Dental emergencies don’t always strike during regular business hours. That’s why we offer after hours appointments so your child can get the care they need, when they need it most.
Same-Day Appointments
During a dental emergency, everything can happen so fast. If your child needs help right away, call us to get immediate care for your child.
Weekend Appointments
If your child has a dental emergency over the weekend, you don’t have to wait until Monday for care. Our flexible weekend hours allow your child to get treatment fast so they can start smiling again.
Here when they need it most
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency exams for kids. There’s no need for your child to wait in pain. Reach out to our team for care today.
The Benefits of Immediate Emergency Dental Care
Relief From Pain & Discomfort
A broken tooth, a pulled-out crown, or a toothache can cause lots of pain. And the only way to eliminate this pain is with proper dental care from an experienced emergency dentist. Once your child gets treatment at our office, they can get back to their normal routine without pain, crying, and distractions.
Prevent More Complications
When we prolong treating a tooth emergency or toothache, your child’s condition and prognosis may worsen. For example, if your child has a toothache, and it is left untreated, it can lead to an infection or other serious complications such as cellulitis. If it’s a sports related or playtime related tooth injury, the prognosis for the tooth to heal may worsen the longer we delay examination. Dr. Hani and Dr. Linda are available after hours and on the weekends to assist with tooth emergencies.
The Emergency Dentistry Treatment Process
Call For An Appointment
As soon as you notice your child’s dental emergency, please give our office a call. We’ll discuss your problem with you, and schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP. We can also give you some tips on how to deal with your emergency until it’s time for your little one’s appointment.
Emergency Exam
Once you come to our office, our pediatric dentist in Costa Mesa will take a look at your child’s mouth. They will get to the bottom of your issue, and determine the right treatment for your child’s condition.
Treating Your Child’s Condition
Every child is different, and so is every dental emergency. A few common emergency dental treatments include root canals, dental fillings, dental crowns, tooth extractions, and splints for loose or knocked-out teeth. Your child’s dentist will make sure that they get the appropriate care for their condition.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do about a severe toothache?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
A severe toothache could indicate that your child has a deep cavity or an infected tooth. You should schedule a consultation at our office right away, as these are both serious dental emergencies that will only get worse without proper treatment.
What should I do if my child’s dental work falls out?
Collect the filling, crown, or other piece of dental work and place it in a plastic baggie. Then, call us for a same-day appointment, and make sure to bring your child’s dental work in with you. It may be possible to reattach a crown instead of completely replacing it.
What should I do if my child has a loose tooth?
If a baby tooth has come loose and it’s not due to an oral injury, you don’t have to do anything. Baby teeth are meant to fall out eventually, so this is natural.
However, if one of their teeth becomes loose and is bleeding after an oral injury, it may not be ready to fall out yet. The best thing to do is to get a consultation with your child’s dentist to have their mouth examined, and determine whether the tooth can be saved or if it should be replaced with a space maintainer.
What should I do if my child has chipped, broken or cracked a tooth?
First, treat their discomfort and bleeding. Then, contact us for a same-day appointment. Even minor tooth damage can cause hairline fractures and these fractures could lead to infections and other complications. After consulting with your child’s dentist, they can determine the best treatment for restoring the damaged tooth, and ensure your child’s smile remains healthy and strong.
What should I do if my child's tooth falls out?
If your child's tooth falls out, you should keep it safe and contact or go to the dentist. Your child's dentist will evaluate the empty socket and recommend the best course of action. Depending on the condition of the affected area, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer to help hold the space properly until the new tooth is ready to come out.
