Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies are more common than you might realize: Every year, more than 5 million teeth are knocked out in the United States. If your child breaks or knocks out a tooth, you can count on expert care from Davette Johnson-Harris, DDS, at Lakewood Kids Dentistry in Houston. Dr. Johnson-Harris is an expert pediatric dentist who offers emergency dentistry services to protect and preserve your child’s teeth and overall dental health. Call Lakewood Kids Dentistry or make an appointment online today.
What are common childhood dental emergencies?
As a parent, you know that accidents happen, ranging in severity from spilling juice on the rug to tripping and knocking out a tooth. Some of the common dental emergencies that stem from accidents include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Broken teeth
- Severely bitten tongues and cheeks
Your child could also get a foreign object stuck on a tooth or even break their jaw.
How do I know if my child needs emergency dental care?
Dr. Johnson-Harris provides emergency dental care for a wide range of dental injuries. For example, if your child knocks out a tooth, even a baby tooth, you should contact Lakewood Kids Dentistry for advice. Similarly, if your child breaks a tooth, whether it’s a small crack, or a large piece of a tooth is missing, they need emergency dentistry.
Additionally, if your child’s mouth is bleeding heavily and isn’t stopping, you need emergency dental care.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If your child knocks out an adult tooth, pick up the tooth — without touching the root — and put it in a sealed container of milk or an American Dental Association-approved tooth preservation product. Baby teeth don’t need to be kept moist, but you should still find the tooth and bring it with you.
Call Lakewood Kids Dentistry to let Dr. Johnson-Harris know you’re coming, and give the details of your dental emergency. You can have your child bite down on clean gauze to stop any bleeding.
During the appointment, Dr. Johnson-Harris:
- Examines your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw
- Explains the injury and treatment options
- Reimplants the tooth or repairs the injury
- Provides aftercare instructions
- Schedules appointments for any additional treatment
Knocking out a tooth can be scary, but Dr. Johnson-Harris puts you and your child at ease. She explains your treatment options and answers questions so both you and your child feel comfortable and confident.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
You can take steps to protect your child’s dental health and prevent dental emergencies. For example, encouraging good dental hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, helps keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.
Additionally, don’t let your child put non-food objects into their mouth. You can prevent falls by using gates to block stairways and other hazards in your home. Also, if your child plays sports, make sure they wear a protective mouthguard and helmet (when appropriate).
If your child needs emergency dental care, call Lakewood Kids Dentistry or try to schedule a same-day appointment online. You can also call the office outside of regular business hours for emergency care.