Urgent Dental Care in South San Francisco
Dental injuries and emergencies can be upsetting for children and parents, but they are also common. Around one-third of children experience some type of dental trauma, and even more deal with dental emergencies.
There are two main times when children are at higher risk for dental trauma. The first is during toddlerhood (18-40 months) when kids are curious and exploring, and the second is during preadolescence and adolescence when sports injuries are common.
Here, we have listed some of the most frequent dental emergencies in childhood and provided helpful tips on how to handle them.
Toothache
There are several reasons why your child may be experiencing tooth pain, such as decay, injury, infection, or permanent loss. This can occur during sports activities or from neglecting regular dental check-ups. Our emergency dentist in South San Francisco, CA will determine the source of the discomfort, whether it be the tooth, root, or nerve.
Treatment for a knocked-out tooth in dentistry
If your child has a traumatic tooth loss, please contact our office right away. For a baby tooth, place it in milk and call us. For an adult tooth, time is of the essence. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown and head to our office as soon as possible.
If your child has an intruded or displaced tooth, please call our office for a proper assessment.
Fractured Crown
The crown of the tooth, the largest and most visible part, is often susceptible to trauma. There are various types of crown fractures, from minor cracks that may not need immediate attention to cases where emergency dental care in South San Francisco is necessary due to exposed pulp.
A pediatric dentist can assess the severity of the fracture using dental X-rays. Any changes in tooth color, such as pink or yellow hues inside the tooth, should be seen as a warning sign requiring immediate attention. Minor crown fractures can be treated with dental sealant, while more severe fractures may need pulp treatments. If a crown fracture occurs, it is crucial to contact a pediatric dentist promptly. Jagged enamel can cause irritation and inflammation of the soft oral tissues, potentially leading to infection.
Fracture of the root
Our dentist often sees children with fractured teeth. We can detect these fractures by looking for signs such as displaced teeth or decreased sensitivity to cold foods and drinks. Dental trauma can cause the nerve to become damaged, making the teeth sensitive to even slight pressure.
Dental Concussion - Tooth Injury
Dental concussions can occur in toddlers of any age, leading to temporary or permanent discoloration of teeth. If the teeth do not turn black or dark, it may not be a serious dental issue. However, immediate care is necessary if the color changes. Concussions can indicate that the teeth are dying or may require root canals to remove infected nerves.
Cheek, lip, or tongue injury
If your child accidentally bites their tongue, lip, or cheek, it is important to seek prompt treatment to prevent the risk of infection. Our pediatric emergency dentist is available to provide immediate care for these injuries. We will assess for bleeding or swelling to determine the appropriate course of action. In the case of a bite to the flap under the upper lip, a visit to the emergency room may be necessary.
Jaw fracture
Jaw fractures in young patients can be caused by slips and falls, contact sports, and accidents. If your child experiences severe pain in the teeth, chin, or jaw, along with difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking, it is important not to ignore these signs. Visit our pediatric dentist for emergency dental care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Children can experience dental trauma from head injuries, which can be a confusing and painful experience for parents. Seeking immediate care from a kid's emergency dentist is crucial for long-term relief and protecting your child's oral health. If you have any questions about emergency dental care in South San Francisco, please reach out to your pediatric emergency dentist.
