Should your child have an after-hours emergency, please call Dentistry for Kids at (775) 823-9797. You will be informed how to contact the dentist on-call for emergencies. When directed to, please state the following information to the dentist on-call:

  • Your name and your child’s name
  • Your phone number and whether it is a home phone or cell phone
  • A description of the emergency

KNOCKED OUT BABY TOOTH

Once lost, baby teeth should not be placed back in the mouth as it may possibly damage the growing permanent tooth. However, it is important to make sure no other teeth are injured. Contact your pediatric dental office promptly.

KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH

Should one of your child’s permanent teeth be knocked out, please follow these important steps:

  1. Find the tooth.
  2. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion.
  3. You may rinse the tooth, but do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
  4. Try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on clean gauze or cloth.
  5. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water.
  6. Contact your pediatric dental office or any available, nearby dental office immediately.

Please note: Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

TOOTHACHE

To relieve a toothache, clean the area around the tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use floss to remove any trapped food or debris. If your child’s face is swollen, apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. You may administer Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil for pain and call your pediatric dental office to schedule an appointment.

BROKEN TOOTH

If your child breaks a tooth because of an accident or injury, please follow these important steps:

  1. Rinse debris from the injured area with warm water.
  2. Apply a cold compress if there is swelling.
  3. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.
  4. Immediate action may save the tooth, prevent infection, as well as reduce the need for extensive treatment.
  5. Contact your pediatric dental office or any available, nearby dental office immediately.

POSSIBLE JAW FRACTURE

A broken jaw is an immediate medical emergency. Go directly to the nearest emergency room and try to keep the jaw from moving by using a towel or handkerchief during transport.

COLD/CANKER SORES

Cold sores and canker sores are common among children. Since these sores usually take one to two weeks to resolve, over-the-counter preparations can provide temporary relief. If these sores persist, a dental evaluation might be necessary to rule out any systemic diseases.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT DENTAL INJURIES?

Sports-related dental injuries can be reduced or prevented by wearing mouthguards. Child-proofing your home can reduce injuries at home. Additionally, regular dental checkups can reduce the likelihood of injuries.