what is emergency children's dentistry?
Injuries can happen unexpectedly, which is why board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide emergency dental care for children at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA. If your child is a patient of record and experiences an urgent dental emergency outside of office hours, you can call our office and follow the greeting to access our emergency number. Common emergencies include broken or chipped teeth, trauma to soft tissues, or knocked-out teeth. These situations can occur from chewing hard foods, sports injuries, accidents, or falls. Even if your child does not feel immediate discomfort, it’s important to have their mouth evaluated for hidden damage. Dr. Kong, Dr. Kim, and our caring team prioritize children’s dental emergencies by providing immediate treatment and guidance to prevent future issues.
What Are the Benefits of Emergency Children’s Dentistry?
Prompt emergency care ensures that children receive the attention they need when an accident or injury occurs. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, emergency services with Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim can provide:
Immediate relief from pain or discomfort
Prevention of further damage to teeth or gums
Quick assessment of dental trauma to avoid long-term complications
Preservation of injured or knocked-out teeth
Professional guidance on caring for dental injuries at home
Reduced risk of infection due to timely treatment
Early detection of underlying dental conditions
What are some types of children’s dental emergencies?
Not every dental injury looks the same, but fast action is often key. Some common emergencies include:
Knocked-out tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it should ideally be re-implanted within 30 minutes. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk or saliva until you can see Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim. Knocked-out baby teeth are not re-implanted, but an exam is still necessary to ensure there is no additional trauma.
Chipped or fractured tooth
Even small chips should be treated promptly, as they can expose the tooth to bacteria. If you have the broken piece, store it in milk or saliva and bring it with you. In many cases, it can be bonded back in place.
Jaw injury
Serious jaw injuries should be evaluated at the ER right away. Once stable, schedule a visit with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim to check for cracked or misaligned teeth.
Cuts or bites to the tongue, lip, or cheek
Apply pressure to stop bleeding and use a cold compress or popsicle to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter medication like Tylenol® or Motrin® may help relieve discomfort.
Toothache
Check for cavities, food stuck between teeth, or erupting teeth. Rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress for swelling. Persistent pain should be evaluated quickly, as untreated toothaches can develop into abscesses.
Is my child’s dental problem an emergency?
Dental emergencies can range from a knocked-out tooth to a loose filling. While some may seem minor, it’s always safest to call. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim can advise on whether urgent care is needed. Issues such as knocked-out teeth, severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to the gums, lips, or jaw require immediate attention. Even small injuries should not be ignored, as they can lead to bigger problems if untreated.
How is a pediatric dental emergency treated?
Every emergency is different. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will begin by carefully evaluating the situation and may take digital x-rays to assess hidden issues. After diagnosis, they will create a treatment plan, which may require one or several visits depending on the severity. Care is personalized to restore comfort and health as quickly as possible.
How long is recovery from a child’s dental emergency?
Recovery depends on the type of injury and treatment provided. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim may prescribe antibiotics or recommend over-the-counter pain relief. For children involved in sports, a custom mouthguard may be suggested to prevent future trauma. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits are important for monitoring healing. Both doctors will continue to track progress during follow-up exams.
Does insurance cover pediatric dental emergencies?
Most insurance plans cover emergency dental treatment for children, especially when related to trauma or infection. Our team will verify your child’s benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket expenses. Flexible financing is also available if needed.
Get emergency dental care for your child
If your child experiences pain, bleeding, or injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw, contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry right away. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim are committed to providing urgent pediatric dental care in Lawrenceville, GA to relieve discomfort and protect your child’s smile. Quick action makes all the difference in preserving long-term oral health.
Emergency Children’s Dentistry FAQ
Many people – children, adolescents, and adults alike – wouldn’t consider a toothache a dental emergency. However, if your child has dental pain that is keeping them up at night, doesn’t seem to go away, or is severely painful, we suggest you contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentisty. This could be a sign of an infection, which, if left untreated, could impact other areas of the mouth and body.
If your child has experienced any sort of traumatic injury to the face or head such as a dislocation, wounds that won’t stop bleeding, a broken jaw, or loss of consciousness, you should visit an emergency room with your child instead of calling our Lawrenceville, GA office. Once appropriate medical care has been received, you can schedule a follow-up with the emergency dentist for any dental treatment that they require.
If your child is experiencing severe tooth pain or swelling, use dental floss to dislodge any interlopers and then put a cold compress outside of their mouth. If they lost or broke a tooth, collect the pieces or whole tooth and rinse them in warm water. Don’t touch the root of the tooth while rinsing it. Place the tooth in a container of milk. If their teeth or gums are bleeding, apply pressure with clean, dry gauze until the bleeding stops.
In the event of a dental emergency, parents should remain calm and assess the situation. For a knocked-out tooth, gently rinse it and try reinserting it, holding it in place. For pain or swelling, use a cold compress and provide over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Contact our team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry immediately.
While not all emergencies can be prevented, using mouthguards during sports activities, promoting good oral hygiene, and avoiding chewing on hard objects can reduce the risk of dental injuries. Regular dental check-ups with our staff in Lawrenceville, GA can also help identify potential issues early.
It is crucial for a child to see a dentist as soon as possible after a dental emergency. Immediate care helps address pain, prevent complications, and ensure the best possible outcome for the child’s oral health and well-being.