As a parent, your emotional response to seeing your child hurting can have a profound impact on your ability to act quickly and effectively, especially in the midst of a dental emergency. With a trusted pediatric dentist to help guide you along the way, the process can become immensely easier. Whether your little one has just knocked out their tooth, has a painful toothache that will not seem to go away, or any other oral health concern that is causing them discomfort, here is how you can minimize the extent of the damage to your favorite small smile.
Step 1: Call Your Pediatric Dentist
The first step you should always take if your child is complaining of tooth pain or has suffered dental trauma is to contact their pediatric dentist. In many cases, the office will be able to fit them in for a visit the same day or after-hours to address their discomfort as soon as possible. If your child is especially anxious or nervous, you may even want to ask them if the pediatric dentist offers dental sedation to help calm their fear. The staff on the phone can also provide you with first aid guidance to address your concerns until you are able to reach the office.
Step 2: Bring Your Child in for an Emergency Visit
Once you reach your child’s pediatric emergency dentist’s office, their dental team will kick into gear, being sure to solve the underlying cause of their discomfort. This may include completing a thorough physical evaluation of their teeth and gums, collecting digital X-rays, and asking them about the symptoms they are experiencing.
Step 3: Talk to Your Pediatric Dentist About Their Findings
Once the pediatric dentist has completed their evaluation, they will speak with you about their findings and any diagnoses they have made. They may also recommend treatment options to restore their oral health and repair any damage that has occurred to their smile. Depending on the diagnosis, recommended treatment may include a filling, pulpotomy (baby root canal), dental crown, tooth extraction, or a different procedure.
Step 4: Move Forward with Treatment
Once you have heard all of your child’s treatment options, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedures to make sure you are making the best decision for your favorite smile. Then, you can let their pediatric dentist know how you would like to move forward with their recommended plan.
After treatment is complete, they will provide you with any necessary post-operative instructions to help your little one makes a fast recovery. If you have any questions once you get home, do not hesitate to give them a call—after all, it is better to be safe than sorry!
About the Author
Dr. Takiar (Agent T) is a board-certified pediatric dentist who’s passionate about transforming what it means to visit the dentist as a child. Her detective-themed practice, Tooth Clues, is an interactive, exciting, and educational experience for children of all ages, and when paired with her expertise, it’s the obvious choice for parents to bring their children for all of their dental needs! In addition to offering a kid-friendly environment, she also provides same-day and after-hours appointments for children experiencing dental emergencies, so they will not have to wait until the next day to get the help they require. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.