Should My Child Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

It’s easy to lose your cool and forget how to think clearly when misfortune suddenly strikes you, let alone your child. Every parent wants to protect their kid from harm, but unfortunately, accidents happen. Witnessing your child have a tooth knocked out, for example, can send you into a tailspin. What do I do? Do I take them to the emergency room? Should I call their dentist? Let’s break down why an emergency pediatric dentist is usually the best solution, as well as when a hospital is the more appropriate call.

When Should You Go to the ER?

The emergency room is generally the right choice when your child’s dental problem is accompanied by signs of a potentially serious medical emergency.

Take your child to the ER or call 911 if they have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe facial or neck swelling that is affecting their airway.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Loss of consciousness following a facial injury.
• A serious head, jaw, or facial injury.
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction.

These situations may require immediate medical attention beyond what a dental office can provide. If you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms could affect their breathing or overall safety, it’s better to seek emergency medical care.

When is an Emergency Dentist the Right Choice?

Many urgent dental problems can be treated more appropriately by an emergency pediatric dentist. Pediatric dental offices are equipped to evaluate and treat dental injuries and conditions involving your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth.

Contact an emergency pediatric dentist if your child experiences:

• A knocked-out permanent tooth.
• A broken or severely chipped tooth.
• Significant tooth pain.
• A loose or displaced permanent tooth following an injury.
• Damage to braces or other dental appliances causing injury.
• A dental restoration that has broken and is causing discomfort.

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, prompt dental care is especially important. If possible, gently handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, keep it moist, and contact an emergency pediatric dentist immediately for instructions.

What About a Dental Abscess?

A dental infection can cause tooth pain, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Dental infections should not be ignored because they can sometimes spread beyond the original tooth.

If your child has localized dental swelling but is otherwise breathing and swallowing normally, an emergency pediatric dentist may be able to provide the appropriate evaluation and treatment. However, significant facial or neck swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening symptoms warrant emergency medical attention.

When in Doubt, Call the Dental Office

Parents don’t always have to determine the diagnosis themselves. If your child has a dental problem that seems urgent but doesn’t appear to be life-threatening, call an emergency pediatric dentist and explain what happened.

The dental team can help determine how quickly your child needs to be seen and whether you should seek emergency medical care instead.

Knowing the difference between a dental emergency and a medical emergency can help you act quickly when your child needs care. Keep your pediatric dentist’s contact information readily available, especially if your child participates in sports or has a history of dental problems.

About the Author

Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Allen Pearson has cared for thousands of little smiles since establishing Wylie Children’s Dentistry in 2003. He’s a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry and actively involved in the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, among other professional organizations. No matter when a dental emergency happens to your child, Dr. Pearson’s office has a 24-hour answering service you may contact for assistance. Call (972) 429-7070 or reach out online.