Dental Emergency

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office at Santa Rosa Office Phone Number 707-546-5437. If we are out of the office, you will be connected to our on-call doctor by the answering service. Please be prepared to describe the nature of the emergency, the duration of the symptoms, and any relevant health information, such as medical conditions, allergies, or medications your child may be taking.

Toothaches:

If your child is experiencing swelling, prolonged pain, or is having difficulty eating on a particular area, this may be an indication of a dental infection. Administer a pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Motrin and give our office a call if pain still persists. We may put your child on a course of antibiotics immediately, so please have pharmacy information handy. Do not apply heat or aspirin onto the problem area. If swelling is causing difficulty breathing, take your child immediately to the emergency room.

If a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out:

If a baby tooth is lost due to trauma, it is very rarely put back in the mouth. It is important, however, for your child to be examined to ensure there are no tooth fragments left behind in the gums, and that the bones around the teeth are not fractured.

If a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out:

Time is precious, so act quickly! Find the tooth, and pick it up by the crown (the top part.) Avoid touching the root. If debris or dirt is present on the surface of the tooth, gently rinse it in water. Carefully wipe any debris that may be present around the socket, and do your best to put the tooth back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk (or water if none is available) and call the office IMMEDIATELY. The faster we can see your child, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Chipped or Broken Teeth:

If there is any bleeding to the affected area, apply gentle pressure. Do your best to find any fragments of tooth that may have broken off. If the fragment is large enough, it may be possible to “glue” it back on. Call our office to see if your child needs to be seen immediately.

Prevent Injuries:

If your child is involved in any contact sports, be sure to purchase a mouth guard to protect the teeth. Baby-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical burns, and choking hazards. Always use a car seat for young children and seat belts for bigger kids and teens. Prevent toothaches with regular dental checkups and follow through with prescribed treatment.