Dental Emergencies

We have listed general instructions on how to handle your child's dental emergency. We strongly advise that you contact our office at (619) 741-1500 so that your child can receive a thorough evaluation by one of our pediatric dentists.

Baby tooth knocked out

• Do NOT insert tooth back into socket.
• Contact our office immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Permanent tooth knocked out

• Hold the tooth by its crown (never the root) and rinse it gently in cool water.
• Try to reinsert it in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a clean container with cold milk.
• Contact our office immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Baby tooth or Permanent tooth pushed out of place

• Try to re-position the tooth back to its normal position with finger pressure.
• Hold the tooth in place with a tissue or gauze if it is very loose.
• Call our office to make an appointment for evaluation.

Tooth is chipped or fractured

• Find the broken tooth fragment, place in cold milk or water.
• Contact our office immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Toothache

• Over-the-counter children’s pain medication (dosage according to your child’s weight and age) may help relieve the pain.
• Contact our office immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Blow to the head, face or jaw

• Call 911 immediately. Your child needs immediate medical attention.
• A severe head injury can be life threatening.

Prevention of dental injuries

• Make sure your child wears protective gear such as a mouth guard for all sports.
• Always use a car seat for young children.
• Childproof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries.