Whether your child falls off of their bike and chips a tooth or they are experiencing a toothache that will not seem to go away, nobody can prepare you for those unexpected moments! Fortunately, with a trusted expert to call on, you can make the best decisions for your favorite smile, from improving their comfort to keeping their oral health on the right track. Below, find helpful tips to walk you through how to respond to a child’s dental emergency. However, if you find yourself stuck, the best person to reach out to is always your local pediatric emergency dentist in Leesburg.
What Steps Should You Take First?
When the unexpected occurs and you are at home or out and about, you will be your own first line of defense. As such, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you should do! Below are a couple of steps to help you tackle a dental emergency head-on to minimize the risk of further damage. Here are some helpful tips to address the situation:
Call the Correct Medical Professional
First, you should determine if you need to call on a pediatric dentist or head to the emergency room. If your child is dealing with a life-threatening injury or symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or a broken jaw, then the emergency room will be your next stop. However, if your child is experiencing oral symptoms that are not life-threatening, such as a painful toothache, persistent dental symptoms, or knocked-out tooth, you should call your local pediatric dentist. If you are unsure, head on over to the emergency room and call your local pediatric dentist on the way. They should be able to meet you at the hospital.
Follow First Aid Guidance Until Your Visit
Your pediatric dental office will schedule an appointment for your child the same day you call, so you will not have to worry about them waiting in pain for any longer than necessary. They will also provide you with first aid guidance until the appointment to help your child feel more comfortable and reduce their symptoms.
What Happens When You Go to the Pediatric Dental Office?
Once you and your child arrive at the pediatric dental office, they will get to work determining the best course of action for your child’s situation. With children, there is not a one-size-fits-all treatment response. Your pediatric dentist will consider several factors to determine how to move forward, such as your child’s age and oral development, as well as the findings of their examination. Here are the steps you can expect the dental team to take at your child’s emergency visit:
Complete a Thorough Examination
The first step is to capture X-rays and complete a thorough visual examination of your child’s mouth and make them comfortable. The exam will provide your pediatric dentist with all of the information needed to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Discussing the Findings
Before your pediatric dentist moves forward with any procedures, they will take the time to discuss their findings with you and answer any questions that you may have. Then, they will walk you through their treatment recommendations.
Taking Care of Your Child
Finally, the dental team will proceed with the recommended treatment. Remember that your child will get the care they need so long as you reach out to the correct medical professional! So, always contact your pediatric dentist to find out what kind of care your child requires.
About the Author
Dr. Takiar, best known to her patients as Agent T, is a Board-Certified pediatric laser dentist with years of experience and refined skills and expertise! She understands how scary experiencing a dental emergency as a child can be, which is why she is proud to offer same-day and after-hours emergency visits. With a focus on collaborating with parents and providing comfortable, compassionate care, she’s proud to be a top pediatric dentist in the community. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, please visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.