Parents need to know that sometimes it is necessary for children to have tooth extractions. The good news is that an extraction can prevent a lot of possible issues down the road and keep your child’s smile healthy. A child’s tooth may need to be pulled because of damage from trauma or injury, severe tooth decay, or gum disease.
Gingivitis (mild gum disease) causes redness and swelling. If left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis (serious gum disease), which affects the gums and jawbone. Severe infections can cause bleeding from the gums and loosen a child’s teeth. If the decay and infection severely damage the structure of the tooth, then an extraction will likely be needed.
Children’s front teeth have just one root, while molars with multiple roots. Molars are more likely to have tooth decay and need to be extracted.
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Here are a few problems that emergency dentists can help with:
If your kid's mouth is hurting for an extended period of time, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the gums, teeth, or jaw. If the pain is brief, your child could wait it out, however if it continues for over 30 minutes without improving, you should see the dentist for an emergency appointment.
If one of your child's teeth gets knocked out of its socket or a large piece of it breaks off, they will need emergency dental care.
If your child sustains a blow or bite to the lip that causes bleeding, it may not be a cause for concern if the bleeding stops in a short time. However, if the bleeding does not cease after a few minutes, you should seek help from an emergency dentist to avoid excessive loss of blood.
If there is a sudden pus discharge and an observable abscess, then it is a clear indication that the gums are suffering from an infection. An emergency dentist will give your child antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading while they determine the source and the appropriate treatment.
Does your child fall under any of the above categories or feel there is a chance he/she could be a dental emergency victim in the future? Knowing a dental office that offers emergency services is a good place to start.
Masonboro Kids Dentistry is a dental care center in Wilmington that offers care for all kinds of dental emergencies. Whether it's a knock, a toothache or swelling that won't stop, our experienced emergency dentist is always up for the task to see that the problem is addressed. Call us today (910) 971-0705 to learn more about our services.
A dental emergency is any situation that causes severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling, or a dental abscess. If you're unsure whether your child's situation is an emergency, call our office and we'll help you determine the appropriate next steps.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If that isn't possible, place it in milk or your child's saliva and get to our office immediately — time is critical. For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert them, but contact us right away.
Yes. We prioritize dental emergencies and make every effort to see patients the same day. Call us at (910) 971-0705 as soon as possible to describe your child's situation. We'll advise you on immediate steps and get you scheduled right away.
You can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling, and give children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen at the appropriate dose for pain relief. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean. These are temporary measures — contact us as soon as possible for proper treatment.
IS YOUR CHILD HAVING A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
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