If your child has a dental emergency you can call our office during regular business hours. After hours our emergency number is available on the office voicemail. We are always here to assist when you need us. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations.
OBJECT CAUGHT IN TEETH
If your child has something caught between his or her teeth, try to remove it with dental floss. If you are unable to remove the object, feel free to call our office and we will be happy to help.
BROKEN, CHIPPED, OR FRACTURED TOOTH
If your child has broken a tooth it is important to call or text our emergency number. Dr. Katie will happily evaluate the fracture and let you know if it is a true dental emergency. Always try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off.
KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
If your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out of his or her mouth, find the tooth and rinse it with water (if it is dirty), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it’s in place). Place the tooth in a clean container with milk. Call or text our emergency number immediately and/or head to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (Burnet Ave). It is important to act quickly to give the tooth the best chance of survival.
TOOTHACHE
If your child has a toothache it is important to call our office so we can schedule an appointment to locate the source of the pain. In the interim, your child can take over the counter pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort until they can be scheduled. If your child has associated swelling after hours, call our emergency number and Dr. Katie will be happy to instruct you from there.
AVOIDING INJURY
You can help your child avoid dental emergencies, especially during contact sports. If your child plays contact sports, have him or her wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child!