As parents, we know how fast kids move and how quickly an ordinary day can take a turn. One moment they’re running through the house, and the next, there’s a chipped tooth or sudden swelling that has you wondering, “Do we need to see the dentist right now?”
We get it. At Rising Stars Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’ve seen it all. From handlebar-to-mouth collisions to stubborn baby teeth that refuse to fall out, pediatric dental emergencies are more common than you might think. But knowing when to act fast can make all the difference.
We’re here to help guide you through what counts as a dental emergency, what to do in the moment, and how we support our Irving, TX families with same-day care that puts comfort and safety first.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies We See
Let’s talk about the types of dental emergencies we treat most often. If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call—we’d rather help you breathe easy than have you worry at home.
1. Dental Trauma
Trauma is the #1 emergency we treat in our office. It can happen in a blink: your child is riding a bike without a helmet or face gear, takes a tumble, and knocks a tooth on the handlebars. Or maybe your toddler is just learning to walk and takes a spill on the edge of the coffee table.
These types of injuries often result in:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Loosened teeth
- Teeth that have been knocked out entirely (called an avulsion)
The younger the child, the more common these incidents become. That’s why we always recommend softening the edges of low furniture and removing tripping hazards when little ones are just starting to walk.
2. Tooth Infections or Abscesses
Another major reason we see kids on an emergency basis? Infections. When cavities get too big or go untreated for too long, they can spread into the pulp (nerve tissue) of the tooth and cause serious swelling.
This might look like:
- A puffy cheek
- Swelling around the jaw
- Swelling that extends near or over the eye (in more serious cases)
These infections can be painful, and they should never be ignored. Left untreated, dental infections can spread to other parts of the body and become a medical emergency.
3. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth
When a permanent tooth gets knocked out completely, it’s important to act fast. This is called an avulsion, and in many cases, we may be able to reimplant the tooth if you get to us quickly enough.
Here’s what to do:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub
- If possible, place it back in the socket
- If not, place it in a cup of milk or your child’s saliva
- Get to our office immediately
For baby teeth, reimplantation is typically not recommended but we still want to see your child to assess the injury.
4. Severe Tooth Fractures
Some dental fractures go deeper than the surface. A complicated fracture may involve the enamel, dentin, and the pulp of the tooth. These types of injuries can cause pain, sensitivity, and infection if not treated.
Depending on the extent of the fracture, we may recommend:
- A protective dental crown
- A pulpotomy (baby root canal)
- Tooth removal if necessary
Again, acting quickly gives us more options to save the tooth and keep your child comfortable.
5. Toothaches and Facial Swelling
Not every toothache means a dental emergency—but some do.
If your child complains of constant or severe tooth pain, can’t sleep because of discomfort, or you notice visible swelling, that’s your cue to call us. Even if it turns out to be a mild issue, we’d rather make sure it’s nothing serious.
When Should You Act Fast?
Some dental problems can wait a day or two. Others need same-day attention. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Call us immediately if:
- A tooth has been knocked out
- A tooth is broken and causing pain
- There is swelling in the mouth or face
- Your child has a fever with oral pain
- You see bleeding that won’t stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure
We offer same-day emergency care for families in Irving, TX because we know these things rarely happen on a schedule. If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to call.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
When your child is in pain, it can be hard to think clearly. Here’s a quick guide to help you through those first few minutes.
1. Call Our Office Right Away
At Rising Stars Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we leave space in our schedule for same-day dental emergencies. Whether it’s trauma, infection, or pain, we’ll do our best to see you right away.
If we can’t get you in immediately, we’ll guide you on next steps and let you know whether urgent care or the ER is the better option.
2. Gather Information
Before you arrive, try to note what happened and when. If your child lost a tooth, bring it with you (in milk or saliva). If there’s swelling, take a photo for reference. The more we know, the faster we can act.
3. Comfort and Reassure Your Child
We know dental emergencies can be scary. We’ll take it from here as soon as you walk through the door. But in the meantime, remind your child that they’re safe, and you’re heading to a place that will help them feel better.
What to Expect at Our Office
When you arrive, we’ll begin with a calm, kid-friendly assessment. One of our dental assistants will review the details with you, gather any necessary images (like X-rays), and keep your child as comfortable as possible.
Dr. [Insert Doctor’s Name] will then evaluate your child, walk you through what we see, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to the injury or infection.
Every situation is different. Whether your child needs a quick smoothing of a chipped tooth or more involved care like a pulpotomy or extraction, we’ll talk through your options and what to expect next.
How We Keep Kids Comfortable (Even During Emergencies)
We understand that even in non-emergencies, the dental chair can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve invested in tools that make treatment easier and less stressful.
One of our favorites? A small electronic anesthetic delivery device that we lovingly call the Tooth Thermometer. Instead of a big, scary syringe, this tool delivers local anesthesia gently and precisely. It helps us:
- Numb the area without pain
- Reduce the chance of post-treatment lip-biting
- Avoid that uncomfortable swollen-face feeling
We believe that making dental care less scary today builds lifelong trust and confidence tomorrow.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are simply accidents (and no one’s fault!), others can be prevented with the right precautions. Here are a few tips we share with our families in Irving:
- Babyproof early: Soften corners of furniture when your toddler starts to walk.
- Wear protective gear: Helmets and mouthguards for bikes, skateboards, and contact sports.
- Don’t delay routine care: Catching cavities early prevents infections later.
- Avoid using teeth as tools: Teach kids not to open packaging or bite hard objects.
We’re Here When You Need Us Most
Emergencies are never fun—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. At Rising Stars Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Irving, TX, we’re here to make the process easier, faster, and more comforting for your whole family.
If your child experiences dental trauma, pain, or infection, don’t wait. Give us a call or request a same-day appointment online. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Because when it comes to your child’s health, every minute matters—and you’re never alone.