Emergency Kids’ Dentist – Bastrop, TX

24/7 Contact For Established Dental Patients Of Record With Injured Smiles

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, especially to enthusiastic children who love being as active as possible. If your child is experiencing significant dental pain or injury, please don’t hesitate to contact Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry in Bastrop, TX as soon as you can. Our phone system will handle the call no matter the time of day it is. In the meantime, here are some tips for how to be prepared for common dental emergencies until you’re able to reach our trusted emergency kids' dentist in Bastrop, TX.

Why Choose Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry for Emergency Kids’ Dentistry?

  • 24/7 Consultation With A Pediatric Dentist Available For Patients Of Record
  • Board-certified dentists ready to help
  • Financing Options Available Through Care Credit

Emergency Consultations Available 24/7 for Existing Dental Patients

Infographic about twenty four seven support for emergency dentistry patients

Is your child a patient of record and has a dental emergency? Need some advice? We are here for your family! Dr. Adam, Dr. Danna, or Dr. Jim are available to provide consultation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our phone system will direct you how to reach the doctor on call for those times when our dental office isn’t open, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Many different types of dental emergencies can occur, which is why it’s important to know what you can do to handle these injuries at home while you wait for an appointment. Below are a few examples of what you might do should your little one come running for help.

MY CHILD HAS A TOOTHACHE

Your child may have a particle of food or other debris causing the discomfort. Floss around the tooth to dislodge anything stuck around the area and brush. If the pain persists, contact Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible so that we can schedule an evaluation appointment for your child.

Cracked Tooth

Call our pediatric dental office to schedule an evaluation. Avoid allowing your child to chew on that side of the mouth.

MY CHILD HAS A CHIPPED/BROKEN PERMANENT TOOTH

Attempt to retrieve the unattached piece and have your child rinse with warm water. Call our pediatric dental office to schedule an evaluation so our pediatric dentists can discuss options. Avoid allowing them to chew on that side of their mouth and bring the broken piece of tooth to their evaluation appointment. Ideally store the broken fragment in milk.

MY CHILD HAS KNOCKED OUT A BABY TOOTH

Although we want baby teeth to stay in place until they are ready to fall out on their own, sometimes accidents occur. If your child knocks out a baby tooth or permanent tooth, place the tooth in milk and contact Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry immediately. Primary or permanent tooth, your child should still be seen for an evaluation by one of our pediatric dentists.

MY CHILD HAS KNOCKED OUT A PERMANENT TOOTH

There may be a chance to save the tooth! Make sure that you or your child doesn’t hold the tooth by its root; instead, rinse it carefully and place it in a glass of milk. If it’s not too painful, ideally it would be best for you to replace the tooth immediately and your child to hold it in place within the socket until you receive emergency care from one of our pediatric dentists.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek an emergency? Oral injuries like a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek can be alarming. If the wound is minor, we may be able to assist your child with this dental emergency. Otherwise, you’d have to go to the nearest emergency room for treatment.

How you should handle your child’s soft tissue injury: Gently clean the injury with water to wash away any lingering bacteria. If needed, you can apply pressure to the wound to control bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

How we treat soft tissue injuries in children: First, we’ll make sure the soft tissues are the only part that’s injured. Our team will stitch up the wound as needed. If bleeding is uncontrollable even after applying pressure, you may need to go to the ER.

Dental Concussion  

Is My Child's Dental Luxation an Emergency? Has one of your child’s teeth been shoved out of place? This common dental injury is known as a luxation, and happens to children of all ages. To save the tooth and restore your child’s pain-free smile, it’s of the utmost importance that you call our Bastrop office to consult with Dr. Adam, Dr. Danna, or Dr. Jim right away.

How You Should Handle Your Child's Luxation? There are a few things you can do to ease your child’s discomfort until their appointment, including offering them a cold compress or an over-the-counter pain reliever. Make sure to remind them not to mess with the tooth with their tongue or their hands as well. Lastly, do your best to keep the area clean by having your child rinse with clean, room-temperature water periodically.

How We Treat Dental Luxations in Children To determine the best course of action, we will need to take X-rays and examine your child’s mouth. From there, we can review the available treatment options, including observation, root canal therapy, or, in more severe cases, an extraction.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Sensitive Teeth

Are My Child's Sensitive Teeth an Emergency? Although some children naturally have more sensitive teeth, a persistent sensation may be the result of a cavity. Unfortunately, the decay will continue to spread if left alone to progress, which is why it’s crucial that you schedule an appointment with our Bastrop team the moment your child brings their discomfort to your attention.

How You Should Handle Your Child's Sensitive Teeth If your child’s appointment is in a day or two, there are a few things you can do to alleviate their discomfort in the meantime. First, help them avoid sugary, acidic, and spicy foods. Steering clear of hot and cold beverages with meals is also important. Second, consider buying them oral hygiene products designed for patients with sensitive teeth, like desensitizing toothpaste.

How We Treat Sensitive Teeth in Children If the source of the sensitivity is a cavity, then we will recommend the appropriate restorative dentistry solution, such as a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. We may also recommend a preventive treatment, like dental sealants, to help protect their teeth from decay moving forward.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL SEALANTS

Lost Fillings or Crowns  

Is My Child's Lost Filling or Crown an Emergency? A lost filling or dental crown can negatively impact the look and function of your child’s smile. Plus, the tooth may be extremely sensitive and is vulnerable to infection. For these reasons, we recommend calling our dental office right away to schedule a same-day appointment.

How You Should Handle Your Child's Lost Filling or Crown An over-the-counter pain reliever, cold compress, or a mixture of the two can go a long way in alleviating any discomfort your child is experiencing. Since the tooth is vulnerable, it’s crucial that your child doesn’t chew on that side of their mouth or eat spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods. If you were able to find the restoration, then store it safely in a clean container and bring that with you to your child’s appointment.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns in Children Our top priority with lost fillings or crowns is to restore the look and function of your child’s tooth. If you have their dental crown, then we may be able to recement it in place. If you don’t have it or your child lost a filling, then we will simply replace it altogether.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

Something Stuck Between the Teeth  

Is Having Something Stuck Between My Child's Teeth an Emergency? Having something stuck between their teeth can be quite uncomfortable for your child. If you are having trouble removing the debris on your own, then don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can provide you with recommendations over the phone or schedule a time for your child to come in for a visit.

How You Should Handle Something Stuck Between Your Child's Teeth Using a piece of dental floss, gently clean between your child’s teeth. If this doesn’t work, have them rinse with warm water to help dislodge the debris. Remember: tools like tweezers and toothpicks can cause more damage, which is why you should never use them to remove something stuck between your child’s teeth.

How to Help Your Child Prevent Dental Emergencies

Child in pain before emergency kids' dentistry

With highly skilled dentists, multiple financial solutions, and lunchtime and after-school hours, you can have peace of mind knowing that emergency dental care with our Bastrop dental team will be as stress-free as possible. That said, we want to do what we can to help avoid painful toothaches, knocked-out teeth, loose restorations, and the like. With this in mind, keep reading for a few ways you can help your child minimize their risk.

Biannual Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

Whether your child’s first tooth just made an appearance, or they are working on their college applications, it’s of the utmost importance that they come in every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. The routine exams ensure that everything from tooth decay to damaged restorations is caught early on, saving you from the stress and cost of an emergency visit. The teeth cleaning is also important because it removes plaque and tartar, which helps prevent problems like cavities.

Regular Brushing and Flossing

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

It goes without saying that it’s equally as important that your child takes good care of their teeth and gums on a daily basis as well. That starts with brushing for a full two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste and extends to flossing daily the moment they have two teeth touching. If motivating your child to take good care of their teeth proves to be a bit difficult, try to make it more fun by playing music, watching fun videos, and providing a reward.

Eating Healthy Foods

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

While sweet treats can be enjoyed in moderation, they aren’t the best for your child’s smile. In fact, sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, which can negatively impact the look, health, and function of their smile. That’s why it’s best to fill their plate with healthy foods as much as possible, like corn, peas, strawberries, and plain yogurt. These all benefit their oral health as well as their overall health!

Wear a Mouthguard While Playing Sports

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

Does your child play soccer, football, or baseball? Maybe they enjoy solo sports like skateboarding, riding their bike, or running. In both cases, they should wear a mouthguard to protect their smile from harm. Remember, a great number of dental emergencies are the result of sports-related accidents, like a rogue ball or bad fall. So, it’s important that they have a mouthguard for both games and practices.

Discouraging Unhealthy Habits

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

Throughout the years, your child might develop an unhealthy habit or two, like chewing on the back of their pencil or biting their nails. It’s important to redirect them in an effort to protect their teeth and gums from harm. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations!

Understanding the Cost of Children’s Emergency Dentistry

Dental assistant and child smiling at dental appointment

As a parent, your first priority is getting your child the treatment they need to alleviate their discomfort and restore their smile. Once they are out of pain, however, your focus may transition to something else: the cost. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry – our Bastrop pediatric dental team is here to help. You can even continue your research right here; just keep reading!

How Every Dental Emergency is Different

Child smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

Simply put, no two children’s dental needs are exactly the same. While one kid might be struggling with a persistent toothache that can be treated with a dental filling, the next may have completely knocked-out a tooth during a sports-related accident. Rest assured, we will review all of the treatment options available (as well as our recommendations). We will also be transparent about the associated costs so you know exactly what to expect.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Dental assistant smiling while handing parent forms

Since dental plans vary from one patient to the next, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. There is, however, an easy way to get a better understanding of your benefits: ask our team! We’re proud to welcome all PPO dental plans, and we can even file your claim on your behalf to maximize your child’s coverage. Of course, you’re welcome to reach out to your provider directly as well. They will be able to explain your child’s benefits in-depth and help you better understand your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Dentist and dental assistant examining smiling child's teeth

If your child isn’t insured, then you should ask our team about CareCredit! This third-party financier has helped millions of families over the years make their dental care more affordable. The process is relatively simple as well since signing up only takes a few minutes and there are several payment plans available. Furthermore, there are low-to-no interest options for qualified patients, which means your child’s treatment won’t be costly in the long-run either.

How Taking Care Of Your Child’s Smile Can Save You Money

Child smiling while dentist looks at their teeth with dental mirror

Accidents happen. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about that. There are, however, several ways you can help protect your child’s smile, reducing their chances of sustaining a dental emergency in the process. First, make sure they are brushing and flossing consistently and, when they are old enough, rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash. Second, bring them in for a checkup and cleaning with our team twice a year. It’s also imperative that they don’t engage in unhealthy dental habits, like biting on their nails, chewing on pen caps, or not wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports.

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!

young girl smiling while visiting dentist

As a parent, you likely want to do everything you can to protect your child from harm. While you may know how to handle a bruised elbow or a cut knee, a knocked-out tooth or soft tissue injury could leave you feeling helpless or unsure of what to do. Fortunately, our team at Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer your questions and address your concerns. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of answers to some frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us for personal assistance.

Are Knocked-Out Baby Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Since baby teeth are meant to come out, you may not think it’s a big deal when they get knocked out. However, you should schedule an emergency appointment if they come out prematurely. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure no damage has occurred. To keep the permanent tooth from erupting too early, we may use a space maintainer. If your child’s bleeding does not stop, or you believe they’ve damaged their jaw, you should take them straight to an emergency room for medical attention.

Can the Emergency Room Remove a Tooth?

Most hospitals do not have a trained dental professional on staff, which is why it’s best to take your child to an emergency dentist if they sustain a serious dental injury. Only licensed dentists can perform tooth extractions, meaning the procedure is illegal for someone without the training and education required to perform.

The best thing an ER could do is provide antibiotics and pain medication, but that will not address the underlying problem causing your child’s toothache. When you bring your child to our office, we’ll conduct an oral examination to determine the right course of action for restoring their oral health.

What Should I Keep in an Emergency Dentistry Kit?

No matter how many precautions you take, your child can still experience a dental emergency when they least expect it. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry an emergency dentistry kit with you at all times that contains the following essentials:

  • Small sealable container for teeth or restorations
  • Sterile gloves (ideally nitrile)
  • Gauze pads and dressings
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement (or other temporary filling material)
  • Denture adhesive
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Floss
  • Ice pack
  • Your emergency dentist’s contact information

Can I Pop My Child’s Dental Abscess on My Own?

No! You should never pop a dental abscess on your own. If your child has a tooth or gum abscess, it’s considered an infection, which makes it an emergency. You should get in touch with our team right away to schedule an appointment for your little one. Popping the abscess will only expose their mouth to more bacteria, irritating the area more.

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