If your child is experiencing a true dental emergency, you can always call our office at 914-579-2225 and you will be given a number to contact Dr. Tannen directly. We are always available to answer to emergency situations for our patients 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
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Toothache: If your child is experiencing a toothache, first clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Try to dislodge any food particle or debris that might be stuck in the tooth by rinsing vigorously with warm water and using dental floss. You may give your child Tylenol or Motrin as directed, but DO NOT place aspirin on the tooth or gums. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and call our office immediately. This could be a sign of a serious dental infection that requires prompt treatment.
Trauma: Unfortunately, children sustain a fair amount of dental and facial trauma from sports-related injuries, falls and other accidents. The most important thing you can do as a parent is remain calm. If your child knocked out a permanent tooth, timely management (see below) is key to maintaining the life of the tooth. Depending on the nature and severity of the trauma, we may be able to effectively treat the traumatic injury in our office or even advise you on the at-home management over the phone (for less severe injuries) until you can make it in to our office. If your child has suffered a true medical emergency that involves more than just the mouth and peri-oral structures, call 911 or bring your child to the Emergency Room of your local hospital.
Reinserting an Avulsed (Knocked out) Permanent Tooth:
- Find the tooth and do your best to hold it by the crown rather than the root.
- You may gently rinse the tooth with saline or milk to remove any debris, being careful to only touch the crown of the tooth. NOTE: Do not rinse the tooth with water.
- If the entire root is still intact, try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to your pediatric dentist.
*Please note that baby teeth are generally not reinserted into the socket due to the risk of damage to the developing permanent tooth beneath it, however your child should still be seen by your pediatric dentist promptly.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments (stored in cold milk) and bring them with you to the dentist.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contac your pediatric dentist.
Severe Blow to the Head: Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
