As a parent, it’s extremely upsetting to watch your child suffer, especially if they are in agony from dental issues. Some dental problems may be solved during the next visit, however some of them can be quite severe and need to be dealt with as soon as possible. This kind of treatment is possible through urgent dental services, and they are meant to help in such situations so that your child does not have to suffer for too long. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Houston to help you out with dental emergencies, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
What Is Urgent Dental Care?
The term “urgent dental care” describes professional dental care given for infections, acute pain, or injuries that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. Urgent care, as opposed to regular dental examinations, concentrates on fixing urgent issues, frequently in a single visit. Kids in particular require urgent dental care since their teeth and gums are still growing and are much more prone to damage and infections.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
There is a wide variety of dental issues that children can face and which would be categorized as dental emergencies. Here are some common occasions:
Toothache
A toothache can make it hard for a child to sleep, be at ease during the day and also affect how they eat. In most cases, toothaches in children can be caused by cavities, infections in the gums, or food that gets stuck in their teeth. Kids might find relief from a toothache by rinsing or brushing the affected area, but severe pain only a dentist can help.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A traumatic experience that can occur while playing sports or just a hit to the face is the loss of a tooth which is a very painful and traumatic experience. For children with developing teeth who lose one or more teeth, this is a worrying factor that a dentist can intervene.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Due to children’s energy levels and a desire to try new things, they sometimes suffer a chipped or whacked tooth. If the condition of the tooth is not very serious, then dentists can treat it with bonding, a crown or other procedures.
Tooth Abscess or Swelling
Around the root of a single tooth or gums, dental abscess pertains to a condition that is more of an infection than just an inflammation. Some of the symptoms of a dental abscess include swollen tissues, fever and extreme pain. Seeing a dentist as quickly as possible is crucial in such a circumstance so as not to give the infection a chance to spread.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
If the restoration of fillings or crowns was ever done on a child’s tooth and the child loses such restoration, then the exposed tooth can become sensitive and may be prone to further injury. On the same note, urgent care will involve replacing or repairing the dental crown or dental filling within minutes.
Orthodontic Emergencies
For children who have been fitted with wires or braces, broken brackets and wires may cause some level of discomfort and may injure the mouth. Such instances require an emergency appointment so as to address the issue and avoid any delays in providing orthodontic treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
Dental emergencies are not every necessity. Urgent appointments can be made by knowing the difference between such and waiting for the appointment. Here are some in broad terms:
Signs That Your Child Needs Urgent Dental Care:
- Toothache that is very severe and doesn’t seem to stop
- Some form of swelling around the neck or the area around the cheeks
- A tooth that has been completely knocked off or Is broken apart
- For individuals who have a cut that won’t stop bleeding even when pressure is applied
- Finding it difficult to eat or talk because of the pain in and around the tooth.
Issues That Can Wait:
- Mild or low discomfort to heat or cold
- Chipped tooth which is minor and does not warrant pain
- Delayed teething or non-emergency orthodontic concerns
How to Handle Dental Emergencies at Home
There are home measures that the patients can take to minimize the pain and prevent further damage:
For Toothaches
- Gargle with warm salt water to wash the area.
- Swelling can be controlled by the cold compress.
- Do not give aspirin to your child as it can irritate the gums.
For Knocked-Out Teeth
- Use the crown portion to grasp the tooth.
- In case it is dirty, clean it with water. Do not scrub the tooth.
- Place the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution and head to the dentist immediately.
For Broken Teeth
- Any broken pieces of the tooth should be collected and washed with water.
- If there is bleeding, put some gauze. And use a cold compress to decrease the swelling.
For Orthodontic Issues
- Broken wires can be taken care of by orthodontic wax until a dentist can be seen.
Finding Urgent Dental Care In Houston
When it comes to your child’s dental emergency, always remember that every second counts. Search for a suitable children’s dentist in Houston who offers the appointment on the same day and has an understanding of pediatric emergencies. A large number of dentists offer the additional contact information for out-of-office hours or a partnering emergency dentistry service that operates 24/7.
Final Thoughts
We all know that children can at times get into unintentional trouble or accidents that need urgent care for dental procedures, in such scenarios it’s a valued benefit of having a professional dentist around. However, one can be prepared and avoid such situations if they understand the frequent dental situations that tend to occur this way. So, if such an instance does present itself, as a parent it’s equally comforting to know that your child’s dentist is easily contactable.
Let’s be honest, a child’s dental health should always be taken care of with equal importance. No matter what the reason may be, if there comes a time when the child is in dire need of professional help don’t delay in finding it. In order to keep their smile intact for years to come, a prompt response is crucial.
