We’re Here When You Need Us Most

We know when dental emergencies happen, they can be stressful and painful. We also know it can be especially difficult when your child is the one in need of help. That's why Pediatric Dental Care in Crown Point and Dyer, IN offers emergency dental services to help you and your child get quality compassionate care when you need it most.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

• Persistent Toothache

It can be distressing when your child is in pain. While some tooth pain can be caused by relatively harmless tooth sensitivity, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. If your child’s pain lasts more than a day, contact us for an emergency appointment.

• Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

An avulsed, or knocked-out, tooth is a dental emergency, even if it’s not a permanent tooth. You should contact Pediatric Dental Care immediately.

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  • NOTE: If your child has a knocked-out tooth, be careful not to touch the roots. If you can, insert the tooth back into the open socket in the gums. If you cannot put the tooth back, then hold it between your gums and cheek on the way to the dentist's office. Do not rinse it or transport it in water.
• Broken or Chipped Tooth

A severe break or chip in your child’s tooth can leave the tooth susceptible to infection. This requires prompt treatment to seal and repair the tooth.

• Lost Dental Crown or Filling

Losing a dental crown or filling compromises the integrity of your child’s tooth. It weakens the tooth structure and can also leave it vulnerable to infection.

• Abscess

An abscess is a sign of an advanced bacterial infection. Your child could experience severe pain and swelling in and around their mouth. Without proper treatment with antibiotics, these kinds of infections can spread, leading to serious, even life-threatening, complications. An abscess won’t go away on its own.

• Post-Extraction or Surgery Complications

Uncontrolled bleeding, a dry socket (dislodged blood clot), or signs of an infection following a tooth extraction or oral surgery require prompt attention and treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.

Can Your Child Wait?

If you think your child might be having a dental emergency, contact Pediatric Dental Care immediately so we can help you assess the situation. We have emergency appointments available and will get you and your child in as quickly as possible.

At-Home Remedies for Relief from Dental Pain

While you wait for emergency treatment or to visit our office for a regularly scheduled dental appointment, you can take steps to alleviate your child’s pain with the following at-home remedies:

• Over-the-Counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs can help relieve pain and swelling.
• Topical Toothache Relief - Toothache creams and gels are available over-the-counter and can provide temporary relief from a toothache, newly erupting teeth, or other sensitivity when applied to the teeth and gums.
• Cold Compress - Apply a cold compress to the outside of your child’s cheek over the area that is swollen or painful.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

Since dental emergencies are accidental, they are hard to prepare for or avoid. However, keeping your child’s teeth healthy by staying on top of their oral hygiene can help. Attending regular six-month dental exams and continuing healthy hygiene habits can also help reduce the risk of damage to your child’s teeth. Additional tips include:

• Avoiding hard candy or chewing ice
• Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports
• Not using teeth to tear packages or open bottles

Contact Us Today

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency and requires urgent care, please contact Pediatric Dental Care in Crown Point and Dyer, IN to receive the prompt attention, emergency treatment, and relief your child needs.