During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to make the call whether or not you should head into the emergency room. People are afraid that they may contract the virus while they are seeking health care for other non-emergency issues. However, when it comes to a pediatric dental emergency, it is important to act quickly. Dental emergencies are important. If a baby tooth is injured or lost it can affect the adult tooth that follows. Eating and drinking can be adversely affected by a pediatric dental emergency. If an adult tooth is injured or lost, acting quickly and seeking emergency dental services can ensure that the tooth can be properly replaced.
In short, attending to a pediatric dental emergency during the pandemic is just as critical as before the COVID-19 outbreak. Do not make a temporary situation have a permanent effect on your child’s smile. Lovett Dental Heights is open during the COVID-19 outbreak. Call us to get information on how to treat your pediatric dental emergency.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
At Lovett Dental Heights, we are trained to provide you and your family with both general dentistry services and emergency dental services. Some common pediatric dental emergencies include the following:
- Broken or chipping teeth
- Cracked or cracking teeth
- Complete tooth loss
- Fracturing the jaw bone
- Biting of the lip
When these situations occur it is important to get emergency help as soon as possible. Dental care offices have been able to remain open during the pandemic. Dental care is an essential health care service. However, many dental offices have opted to close. You can utilize an emergency room or a pediatric dental emergency care center. Make certain that the practitioner is open prior to making the trip to your family dentist. You should also check to make certain that your family dentist can treat a pediatric dental emergency.
The Steps to Take During a Pediatric Dental Emergency
Respond quickly to your child and assess the damage that is done. If there are no serious physical injuries to the head or other body parts, you can focus on the pediatric dental emergency. If a tooth has been lost, try to locate the tooth as quickly as possible. Once the tooth is located, store it in a container with cold milk or another liquid. This will keep the tooth viable in the event the dentist can replace it in your child’s mouth. Facilitate a lukewarm oral rinse to remove excess blood or saliva. Get a cool compress for any swelling. Reassure and encourage your child to be calm and relax. This will stop excess blood flow from going to the injured area. Excessive blood flow causes more pain.
Let your child know that you’re going to go to a dental provider to get help for the pediatric dental emergency. Talking to your child about what to expect once you enter the provider’s office is calming.
Keep Your Family’s Teeth and Gums Healthy
Though a pediatric dental emergency might be your child’s first encounter with the dentist, it doesn’t have to be. At Lovett Dental Heights, we encourage parents to bring their children in as soon as possible. Being comfortable with the dentist starts with you. Try to make it a fun experience and let your child know how important good dental hygiene is. There are plenty of age-appropriate videos and books on the subject. In addition to pediatric dentistry, we offer some of the following services:
If you are in need of dental services, contact Lovett Dental Heights at 832-767-2210 for an appointment today.
