6 Common Types of Pediatric Dental Emergencies

As parents, nothing is more important than ensuring our children are safe and healthy at all times. However, sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, and we find ourselves facing a pediatric dental emergency.

At Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how stressful and worrisome these situations can be for you and your little one. That's why we're here to provide you with the information you need to know about common types of pediatric dental emergencies, so you can be prepared and know when to seek professional help.

1. Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a common dental emergency for children. It can be caused by falls, accidents, or biting on hard objects. Unfortunately, when a tooth breaks, it can expose the sensitive inner layer of the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity. Therefore, It’s important to seek dental care immediately to prevent further damage and infection and to alleviate your child's pain.

2. Dental Avulsion

Dental avulsion is a dental emergency that occurs when a tooth is knocked out of the socket completely. This can happen as a result of an accident, sports injury, or trauma. Sadly, if the tooth is not re-implanted within 30 minutes of the accident, it’s unlikely to be saved. Seeking immediate dental care is, therefore, crucial to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

3. Dental Intrusion

Dental intrusion is when a tooth is pushed into the socket, causing it to appear shorter than the other teeth. This can be caused by a fall, sports injury, or other trauma. Seeking immediate dental care can prevent damage to the root and the surrounding teeth.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental emergency in children, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, gum disease, and cracked teeth. Tooth sensitivity can cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages. Seeking immediate dental care can alleviate the child's pain and prevent further damage to the tooth.

5. Persistent Toothache

Persistent toothache is another common dental emergency for children. Like tooth sensitivity, it can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, infection, and injury. A toothache can be extremely painful and can interfere with a child’s ability to eat and sleep. It’s important to seek dental care immediately to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.

6. Root Fracture

A root fracture is a dental emergency that occurs when a child's tooth root is broken or damaged. It can be caused by a severe blow to the mouth or jaw, a fall, or chewing on hard objects. A root fracture can be painful and can cause swelling, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth or gums. If left untreated, a root fracture can lead to permanent tooth loss or more severe dental problems.

Need A Pediatric Dentist in Houston? Come to Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry

At Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry, we're dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for children. From offering same-day appointments for emergencies to providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for children of all ages, we'll do everything to provide exceptional care for every child who walks through our doors. Call us at 281-461-7470 to schedule an appointment with our Clear Lake pediatric dentist.

Back to the blog

First Visit Free for kids under 3!

Get the Details