Emergency Trauma Care
At Willow Pass Dental Care, we understand how important it is for children to have a place to go for emergency trauma care. Children often experience the need to see a dental professional right away. Our offices are always open for walk-in dental emergencies, and a number is available for you to contact us after hours. However, until the dentist is visited, here are some practical suggestions:
What happens if my child's braces get damaged?
If your child's braces get broken, or the wires get dislodged, you can get the eraser of a pencil and try to push the wires down so that his or her cheeks and tongue will not get hurt until you can get to the dentist and have the wires repaired. Often, dental wax, which comes in most orthodontic kits, can be used to block the wires from cutting the oral tissues.
What should I do if a tooth chips or breaks?
In case a tooth chips or breaks, try to save the pieces and then rinse the child's mouth with warm, salt water. Use gauze or a clean washcloth to apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. As soon as the bleeding stops, apply a cold compress and bring your child to the dentist immediately. The pieces of the broken tooth may or may not be reattached by your dentist, but it is good to bring them in any case. Often a chipped tooth can be repaired right away using a filling material. Occasionally, the chip is so severe that a root canal must be performed before the tooth is restored. This can be determined after the exam and x-ray that is done by the dentist during the emergency visit.
What happens if a tooth gets dislodged or moved due to trauma?
If your child's teeth get dislodged because of trauma, apply a cold compress on the affected area to reduce swelling and bring the child to your dentist immediately. Successful reattachment usually happens within the first hour that the tooth is knocked out. Keep the tooth moist and safe on your way to the dentist by putting it in a cup of milk, or water with a pinch of salt.
Besides the teeth, what should you do with trauma to oral structure?
Soft oral tissues like the gums, cheeks, the tongue, and the lips, can also acquire injury and require emergency trauma care. When this happens, stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure. Rinse your mouth with a salt solution to disinfect, and then put ice over the affected area to reduce swelling. If the bleeding does not stop in 15 minutes, head on down to the emergency room for professional care.
