AUBURN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Dental Emergencies

When your child is in pain or a tooth gets hurt, it can feel scary and urgent. You do not have to guess what to do next because we provide a welcoming dental home where kids feel brave, parents feel confident, and smiles grow strong.

A cute, hand-drawn alligator

Big Support for Unexpected Ouchies

Dental emergencies happen, including falls, sports injuries, sudden toothaches, swelling, and chipped teeth. Our team is here to help you understand what is urgent, what you can do at home right now, and how quickly your child should be seen.

Emergency Care
Starts With Us

If you think your child is having a dental emergency, calling us is the best first step. We will ask a few quick questions, guide you through what to do next, and help schedule care as soon as possible.

Common dental emergencies we help with:

  • Toothache or sudden dental pain
  • Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Swollen gums, facial swelling, or suspected infection
  • Abscess or pimple-like bump on the gums
  • Bleeding after an injury
  • Broken filling or crown
  • Injury to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
Dental professional treating young child while parent holds child’s hand, showing supportive pediatric dental care.
Young girl wearing pink bunny ears and colorful beads smiles, showing playful fun in a welcoming setting.
Dental professional cleaning young boy’s teeth while he lies calmly in dental chair, showing supportive pediatric care.
Toddler holding plush fish toy and smiling, showing comfort in a friendly dental office setting.
Girl wearing glasses and a dental nose mask smiles while lying back in dental chair, showing comfort during treatment.

What To Do Right Now

Quick Steps for Common Emergencies

These simple steps can help protect your child and their tooth while you contact our office. Expert care in a fun, friendly environment means we are always ready to help when you need us most.

Relief For A Toothache

A sudden toothache can disrupt your child’s day and make it hard to focus. Try these quick steps to keep them comfortable while you call our team.

  • Rinse with warm water and check for trapped food
  • Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek if there is swelling
  • Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums
  • Call us if pain persists, worsens, or keeps your child from sleeping or eating
Three kids standing against a wall with fishes on it smiling and making funny faces
Two young boys with arms over each others' shoulder

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Accidents happen, and a broken tooth can look scary at first. Follow these steps to keep the area clean and, if possible, save any pieces of the tooth.

  • Rinse the mouth gently with water
  • If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze
  • Save any tooth fragments and place them in milk if possible
  • Call us so we can evaluate and recommend next steps

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires fast action to protect your child’s smile. Call us immediately and follow these guidelines to properly handle the tooth.

  • Call us immediately
  • If it’s a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root) and keep it moist (milk is ideal)
  • Do not scrub the tooth
  • If you’re unsure whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, call right away, and we’ll guide you
Young boy in superhero costume flexes arms, posing confidently at a party.

Swelling or Abscess

Facial swelling or a bump on the gums can be a sign of infection. This can be urgent, so call us right away and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

  • This can be urgent—call us right away
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • If your child has fever, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately
A cute, hand-drawn alligator

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dental Emergency
FAQs

We want to provide quick answers for parents, so you know exactly what counts as urgent. Caring for your child’s smile, from first tooth to teens, means we are always here to answer your questions.

If your child has significant pain, swelling, bleeding, trauma to a tooth, or signs of infection, it’s best to call us. We’ll help you decide the right next step.

For facial swelling with fever, difficulty breathing/swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or head injury concerns, go to the ER immediately. For tooth-specific injuries and pain, call our office first so we can guide you.

When possible, yes—especially for pain, swelling, or dental trauma. Call us as soon as you can so we can help.

Mother holding toddler with toothbrush in a dental office, showing positive early dental visit.

Calm Guidance
When You Need It Most

When your child is hurting, you need answers fast. Our team will help you understand what to do at home, how urgent the situation is, and what treatment may be needed. Little teeth, big smiles, ocean-sized care means we treat your child like our own.

Call Auburn Pediatric Dentistry
for Emergency Help

If you are worried, trust your instincts and call us. We will talk you through the next steps and help your child get the care they need. Dr. Derrow is a kid at heart and an expert at treating children from infancy all the way to their teens.

A member of the staff at Auburn Pediatric Dentistry

Why Families Choose Our Care

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More Services

Take a closer look at our full range of children’s dental services—all delivered with warmth and clarity.

Preventive
Dentistry

Protecting developing teeth with proactive, personalized care.

Sedation
Dentistry

Extra comfort and support for children who need it.

Restorative
Dentistry

Careful treatment to restore health and function.

Cleanings
& Exams

Routine visits focused on prevention and early detection.

Helpful Tips for Parents

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