A fall on the playground, a collision during a sports game or even a toddler taking an unexpected tumble can quickly turn into a dental emergency. Knowing what to do next can help parents stay calm, protect their child’s teeth and determine where to seek care.

At Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kenny Havard, co-owner and board-certified pediatric dentist, said some of the most common dental emergencies include chipped or broken teeth, teeth that have been knocked loose or moved out of position and knocked-out teeth. Toothaches and facial swelling can also become emergencies when untreated cavities progress into infections.

What should parents do first after a dental emergency?

Before focusing on the tooth, parents should check their child for signs of a head injury. Bleeding can be controlled with gentle pressure from clean gauze or a cloth, while a cold compress placed on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling.

“Stay calm, because your child will take their cues from you,” Dr. Havard said. “Many times dental injuries appear more concerning than they are.”

If part or all of a tooth has come out, parents should locate it and keep it in milk before calling their dentist. This is because even a knocked-out permanent tooth can often be reimplanted and saved if a dentist sees the child quickly.

Smiling boy in yellow sunglasses with dental bib beside a masked dental worker in a dentist's office.

What can parents teach their children to do if a dental emergency occurs?

Dr. Havard recommends teaching children to immediately tell an adult, bite down on something clean if they are bleeding, hold a knocked-out tooth by its white top portion rather than its root and put the knocked-out tooth in milk or in their cheek. Coaches, teachers and babysitters should also have access to the child’s dentist’s phone number.

How can a parent tell if their child should go to an emergency room, an emergency dentist or schedule a regular dentist appointment?

The appropriate response depends on the severity of the injury.

“Go to the ER if your child may have a head injury, lost consciousness, has a possible broken jaw, has bleeding that won't stop or has swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or the eye,” Dr. Havard said. 

A child should see a dentist the same day for issues such as a knocked-out or displaced tooth, severe pain, facial swelling or a broken tooth with pink or red visible in its center.

Minor issues, including a small chip without pain or a mildly sore tooth, can typically wait for a regular appointment, although parents can still call their dentist for guidance.

Treatment varies depending on both the injury and whether the affected tooth is a baby or a permanent tooth. Small chips may be smoothed or repaired, while displaced teeth may be repositioned and splinted to neighboring teeth while they heal. Infections may require nerve treatment, tooth removal or antibiotics.

Five professionals in business attire pose smiling in an office lobby, two seated and three standing.
Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry team

What can families expect from Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry during an emergency?

Emergency care begins with a phone call. During office hours, the Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry team gathers information about the injury and works to see the child as soon as possible, often that same day. After-hours calls are forwarded to one of the practice’s pediatric dentists, who can provide first-aid guidance and determine whether immediate care is necessary.

When patients arrive at the practice, the team focuses on getting the child comfortable and out of pain before examining their mouth and taking X-rays if needed.

The team then explains its findings and treatment options to parents before moving forward. After treatment, families receive home-care instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up visits, as some dental injuries may need to be monitored for weeks or months.

Ultimately, Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry strives to provide excellent care in any situation, whether it be a dental emergency or a routine cleaning.

Those interested in learning more can find information here:

  • Website: https://www.gtownkids.com/ 

  • Phone number: 512-869-4100

  • Address: 4507 Williams Dr., Georgetown

  • Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Three smiling men in suits stand outside Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics building.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do immediately after a dental emergency?

First, check for signs of a head injury. Use clean gauze or a cloth to control bleeding and a cold compress to reduce swelling. If a tooth or piece of a tooth has come out, place it in milk and call your dentist as soon as possible.

How do you know whether to go to the ER or a dentist?

Go to the ER for a possible head injury or broken jaw, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding or swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or the eye. See a dentist the same day for a knocked-out or displaced tooth, severe pain, facial swelling or a broken tooth with pink or red showing.

How does Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry handle dental emergencies?

Families can call the practice for guidance and, during office hours, the team works to see emergency patients as soon as possible, often the same day. After-hours calls are forwarded to a pediatric dentist who can provide first-aid guidance and determine whether the child needs immediate care.

Stone building with sign reading Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, under a clear blue sky.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact's Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.