Pediatric Emergency Dentistry In Manhattan Beach
Common Dental Emergencies
Chipped Tooth
If your child chips a tooth, try to locate the missing piece. Gently rinse their mouth with warm water, and call us right away for further guidance.
Swelling
Visible swelling in the face or jaw can indicate a serious infection. Call us immediately for a same-day emergency appointment.
Toothache
A toothache may be a sign of dental decay. Children’s Tylenol or Motrin can be given as needed, but avoid any topical numbing medications. Give us a call to schedule an emergency visit.
Cuts or Bites
If your child bites their lip or tongue, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure, head to the ER.
Knocked-Out Tooth
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call us right away. We'll do our best to reimplant the tooth if treated within an hour.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect your child has broken their jaw, head to the nearest emergency room immediately. You can reduce swelling with a cold compress on the way.
Chipped Tooth
If your child chips a tooth, try to locate the missing piece. Gently rinse their mouth with warm water, and call us right away for further guidance.
Swelling
Visible swelling in the face or jaw can indicate a serious infection. Call us immediately for a same-day emergency appointment.
Toothache
A toothache may be a sign of dental decay. Children’s Tylenol or Motrin can be given as needed, but avoid any topical numbing medications. Give us a call to schedule an emergency visit.
Cuts or Bites
If your child bites their lip or tongue, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure, head to the ER.
Knocked-Out Tooth
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call us right away. We'll do our best to reimplant the tooth if treated within an hour.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect your child has broken their jaw, head to the nearest emergency room immediately. You can reduce swelling with a cold compress on the way.
How We Can Help
At Toothlings, your child's comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Dr. Grant and our team are dedicated to providing the prompt, compassionate emergency care your family deserves.
Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. That's why we reserve space in our schedule for same-day emergency appointments. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call and we'll get them in as soon as possible.
If your child experiences a dental emergency outside of our normal business hours, don't panic. Simply call our office and follow the instructions provided. Dr. Grant is available after hours to provide guidance and emergency care as needed.
We understand dental emergencies can be overwhelming for both children and parents. Our team is committed to providing the gentle, compassionate care your child needs to feel safe and at ease. Dr. Grant will thoroughly explain treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
Whenever possible, we use conservative, minimally-invasive treatments to restore your child's damaged teeth. From tooth-colored fillings to dental crowns, we can repair your child's smile while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
If your child feels anxious or has trouble sitting still, sedation dentistry can help them relax and get the emergency care they need. We offer safe, effective sedation options ranging from mild laughing gas to general anesthesia. We'll work with you to select the best option for your child's needs.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Grant will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth to identify areas of decay and determine if SDF is the appropriate treatment. Not every cavity can be effectively treated this way, however this assessment ensures that we choose the best approach for your child’s specific needs.
Prepare the Tooth
The decayed teeth are gently cleaned and dried to prepare them for the SDF application. This step ensures that the solution adheres properly and can effectively address the decay.
Application of SDF
Using a small brush, Dr. Grant will carefully apply the SDF solution to the affected areas. The process is quick and painless, allowing your child to remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on your child’s needs, additional applications may be required at future appointments to ensure the lasting success of the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
While kids will always be kids, there are a few ways parents and caregivers can help minimize their chances of experiencing a dental emergency: Make sure your child wears a mouthguard during contact sports or activities. Child-proof your home to avoid injuries on common household furniture such as coffee tables. Take special care to supervise your child in slippery areas like the bathtub. Establish a dental home for your child by age one and visit us regularly for preventive care.
If your child is experiencing severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, or has suffered trauma to the head or mouth, it's best to err on the side of caution and give us a call. We'll ask about your child's symptoms, provide guidance, and determine if an emergency visit is necessary.