First Visit
Patient Portal
Big Support for Unexpected Ouchies
Dental emergencies, such as falls, sports injuries, sudden toothaches, swelling, and chipped teeth, can leave parents unsure what to do next. If your child is a current patient at our Auburn children’s dental office, call us. We’ll help you understand what needs prompt attention, what you can do at home, and when your child should be seen.
Emergency Care
For Our Patients
If your child is a patient of record at our Auburn pediatric dental practice and you think they’re having a dental emergency, call us first. We’ll ask a few questions, explain what to do next, and arrange a visit as soon as we can. Our office does not offer walk-in emergency care.
Common dental emergencies we help with include:
- 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
Or Call (260) 927-0707
What To Do Right Now
Quick Steps for Common Emergencies
These simple steps can help protect your child’s tooth while you contact our Auburn children’s dental office. Knowing what to do first can help you stay focused during a dental emergency.
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
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
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
Calm Guidance
When You Need It Most
When your child is hurting, call our Auburn pediatric dental practice for guidance. If your child is a current patient, we’ll ask about their symptoms, explain what you can do at home, and help determine how soon they should be seen.
Or Call (260) 927-0707
Call Auburn Pediatric Dentistry
for Emergency Help
If you’re worried your child may be having a dental emergency, call our Auburn children’s dental office. For current patients, Dr. Caroline W. Derrow and our team can help you understand what to do next and arrange care based on your child’s needs.
Or Call (260) 927-0707
