We will make every effort to see your child on the day of the incident. If your child is a patient of record and is having a dental emergency after hours, please call the office at (904) 215-7800.
First Aid for Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it into its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk (preferred) or water. Call our office IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
***Do NOT try to replace a knocked-out primary (baby) tooth***
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to the emergency room.
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Tooth
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Locate and save the broken tooth fragments and place in milk (preferably) or water. Please call our office immediately!
Other Emergency Conditions:
Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out: Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated. If bleeding persists, please call our office.
Cold/Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations provide relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to call our office if these sores persist.