Any situation that causes pain and cannot be treated on your own qualifies as a dental emergency. If your child’s mouth is bleeding excessively, or their tooth has been knocked out in an accident, we can help with immediate care! Our rule of thumb is this: if you think your child is having a dental emergency, they probably are. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our Clear Lake team if your child is experiencing oral pain or discomfort.

1. Loose Tooth
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   If your child has a loose baby tooth, this is nothing to worry about. However, if a permanent tooth is loose, it is imperative that your child gets help from Dr. Brock as soon as possible. Ideally, you should bring your child in within 3-4 hours of noticing the issue.
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   If the tooth is loose due to an impact injury and bleeding is present, you can use gauze or a clean cotton ball to help soak up the blood before arriving for your appointment. Avoid touching or moving the tooth, and keep it as stable as possible to avoid further damage to the root and tooth.
   
2. Avulsed (Knocked Out) Tooth
   
   If a tooth has been knocked out, it is imperative to get dental treatment right away. Come to our Clear Lake office for a walk-in appointment or give us a call to let us know that you’re on your way. Until then, recover your child’s knocked out tooth and rinse it off gently with warm water. Do not use soap. Either replace it in the socket or put it in a small baggie of milk to preserve the pulp. You can treat bleeding with gauze or cotton balls. 
   
   It is important to come in as soon as you can because after 1-2 hours, it is typically not possible to re-implant a knocked-out tooth.
   
3. Cracked, Chipped, or Impacted Teeth
   
   Cracked, chipped, or impacted teeth (teeth that have been driven back into the socket) are all serious dental emergencies, typically caused by an impact injury. Come to Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry as soon as you can, ideally on the same day that your child sustains the injury.
   
   On your way to our Clear Lake office, you can absorb any blood with clean gauze or cotton balls. If you can’t make it in within an hour or two, you may also want to use an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to help reduce your child’s discomfort. Do not use aspirin, as this can prevent proper clotting. Ice packs can also be applied externally to help with swelling and pain.
   
4. Persistent Toothaches
   
   A toothache is a serious dental emergency, especially if it lasts for more than a day. This may indicate tooth decay or an infected tooth. Whether you’re in La Porte, Seabrook, or Pasadena, we’re here to help with efficient emergency care to get your child out of pain. Until you can make it into our office, you can use any over-the-counter children’s pain medication to help minimize discomfort. Topical treatments like Orajel can also be used. However, these are not permanent solutions. You must bring your child in for proper treatment to address the root cause of a toothache.
5. Damaged or Lost Dental Work (Fillings, Crowns, Etc.)
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   A damaged or loose piece of dental work, like a filling or crown, is a serious dental emergency. If your child’s dental work fails, they can be susceptible to further tooth infection and damage. This is more common in older children and pre-teens who have had dental work like crowns or fillings applied to their permanent teeth. 
   
   If your child has lost a piece of dental work, try to recover it, rinse it off, and bring it into our office. Crowns can often be replaced if they fall off, which is much faster and more affordable than having a new one manufactured.
   

If you’ve already made an appointment and you are wondering how to relieve your child’s pain until you get to our office, here’s how to keep your little one as comfortable as possible: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to mitigate pain. If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, keep it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your appointment. In the case of excessive bleeding, have your child bite down on gauze if they are able to do so without causing more pain. Visit our office at 17150 El Camino Real, Houston TX 77058 for same-day care in the event of a dental emergency.

When your child is experiencing tooth pain, it can be a distressing situation for both them and you as a parent. The first instinct may be to rush to the emergency room (ER) for immediate relief. However, it's important to understand the limitations of the ER when it comes to dental emergencies.

While the ER can provide temporary pain relief and address any immediate concerns, they are not equipped to handle long-term dental issues. In most cases, the ER will only provide pain management and antibiotics if necessary. They do not have the specialized equipment or expertise to perform dental procedures.

If your child is experiencing tooth pain, it is best to reach out to a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children's dental issues. They have the knowledge and experience to properly diagnose and treat dental emergencies.

When you bring your child to a dentist for an emergency appointment, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure their well-being and address any concerns you may have. Here are some important questions to ask:

1. What is the cause of the dental emergency?Understanding the root cause of the problem can help you prevent similar emergencies in the future. Ask the dentist to explain the cause and what steps can be taken to prevent it from happening again.

2. What treatment options are available?Ask the dentist about the various treatment options for your child's specific dental emergency. They may recommend procedures such as a dental filling, extraction, or root canal. Understanding the available options will help you make an informed decision about your child's dental care.

3. What are the potential risks and complications?It's important to be aware of any potential risks or complications associated with the recommended treatment. Ask the dentist to explain the possible side effects, success rates, and any long-term implications of the procedure.

4. How can I manage my child's pain at home?Inquire about pain management techniques that can be used at home to alleviate your child's discomfort. The dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or provide specific instructions for pain management.

5. What is the follow-up plan?Ask the dentist about the follow-up appointments and any necessary aftercare instructions. Understanding the post-treatment care will ensure that your child's dental health continues to improve after the emergency appointment.

A tooth infection, also known as an abscessed tooth, can be a serious dental condition that requires immediate attention. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body and lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Here are some symptoms that may indicate a spreading tooth infection:

1. Severe toothache: A persistent and throbbing toothache that worsens over time is a common symptom of a tooth infection. The pain may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck.

2. Swelling: Swelling in the face, cheek, or gums is a sign that the infection is spreading. The affected area may feel tender or warm to the touch.

3. Fever: A high fever often accompanies a spreading tooth infection. If your child has a fever along with tooth pain, it is important to seek immediate dental care.

4. Bad breath or unpleasant taste: A foul smell or taste in the mouth can indicate the presence of an infection. This is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and pus in the affected tooth.

5. Difficulty swallowing or breathing: In severe cases, a spreading tooth infection can cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek prompt dental care. A pediatric dentist will be able to diagnose the infection and provide the appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.

If you have any further questions or concerns about pediatric dental emergencies, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry at (281) 461-7470. We are here to provide the best possible care for your child's dental health.