What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Due to their root structure, baby teeth cannot be replanted, but a dentist should evaluate the area to check for any impact on gum health or permanent teeth.
Keiki Smiles of Leeward provides emergency dentistry in Waipahu, HI. Call
for urgent dental treatment.What Is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry focuses on addressing urgent dental issues that require immediate attention. Whether it’s a soccer injury or a lost filling, emergency dental care is here to protect your child’s oral health and provide peace of mind for you. At Keiki Smiles of Leeward, our caring team is skilled in treating dental emergencies quickly and effectively to get your child smiling comfortably again.
Why Choose Keiki Smiles of Leeward?
A focus on compassionate care: Our priority is ensuring your child feels at ease during what can be an overwhelming moment. Our kid-friendly amenities and warm, welcoming team are here to create a positive experience.
Experienced pediatric dental specialists: Led by Dr. Audrey Rawson, the state of Hawaii’s Pediatric Dental Residency Director, our team brings unparalleled expertise and gentle care to every child we treat.
Family-centered approach: We take the time to explain every step of the process so parents and children feel informed and supported.
Procedures Offered
The following are examples of the emergency services we offer for children:
- Treating knocked-out teeth: If your child has knocked out a tooth, we act quickly to assess and stabilize the area. Lost baby teeth are evaluated for damage to the surrounding area, while lost permanent teeth are handled with swift care to improve chances of preservation.
- Caring for dental infections and abscesses: Untreated infections can escalate quickly. We’ll evaluate and treat infections to protect your child's oral health and comfort.
- Repairing broken or cracked teeth: Cracked or broken teeth are carefully restored to preserve their function and appearance, giving your child back their bright, healthy smile.
- Replacing lost or broken restorations: Lost or damaged crowns or fillings will be repaired or replaced quickly to restore stability and protect your child’s teeth.
- Addressing oral injuries: From sports accidents to slips and falls, oral injuries are treated with the utmost care to restore your child’s oral health and prevent complications.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
During office hours, immediate attention will be given to your situation, and you will be seen as soon as possible. After office hours, please give the office a call and follow the instructions provided. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a serious or life threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Below are instructions for handling minor dental emergencies.
Gently clean the area around the tooth by rinsing the mouth with warm water and gently flossing to remove any particles that may be lodged in the tissue around the tooth. If the pain continues, or if the area around the affected tooth is warm, please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Apply ice to help reduce swelling and apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. If the bleeding continues, call your physician or visit your local emergency room.
Please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Call our office right away and take these steps.
Do not touch the tooth root, but hold the tooth by the crown and gently rinse the tooth with water.
Place the tooth back into the socket as quickly as possible and bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place.
If the tooth cannot be placed in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
Gently rinse the area with lukewarm water and place a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. If you can locate the piece of the broken tooth, place the piece in milk, and bring it with you to the office. If more than half of the tooth is broken off, please call us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
Can a knocked-out permanent tooth be saved?
Yes, if you bring your child and the tooth to the dentist within an hour. Following proper care for the tooth before the appointment improves its chances of successful replanting.
What if my child breaks a tooth?
A pediatric dentist can often repair a fractured or chipped tooth. Visit the dentist as soon as possible to restore your child’s tooth and prevent further damage.
How do I care for my child before their emergency dental visit?
Rinse their mouth with water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. For lost teeth, place the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution while on your way to see the dentist.
How do I know if I should call the dentist or go to the ER?
If your child experiences severe swelling, trouble breathing, or any other symptoms that may indicate a serious injury, call 911 or visit the emergency room immediately. For dental-specific needs, contact our office as soon as possible.
