Emergency Care

Is your child experiencing a dental emergency? At Dentistry for Children, we’re here for you when you need us the most. For dental emergencies in the Potomac, MD area, you can contact our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call our office for after-hours care at 301-205-5918. If you aren’t sure if your child should be seen right away, our team can give you advice based on your child’s symptoms. The following tips can answer some of your questions if your child has lost a tooth, broken a tooth, or is experiencing bleeding from biting their lip, tongue, or cheek. Whether your child is a new or existing patient, we’re available to give you the help that you need during a dental emergency.

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

If your child’s permanent tooth has fallen out, it’s very important to only handle the tooth by its surface. Avoid touching the root of the tooth. If you are able, place the child’s tooth back in the empty socket. To keep the tooth in place, you can use a cloth or gauze for your child to bite down on. If their tooth cannot be placed back in its socket, use a glass of milk to preserve it until your child’s appointment. Most importantly, visit our dentist as soon as you can. When a permanent tooth falls out, there is a chance of saving the tooth in some cases. Our team can examine your child’s tooth and provide the best recommendations for restoring their smile.

Chipped Or Broken Tooth

Both baby and permanent teeth that are chipped or broken may need immediate care. A broken or chipped tooth can cause sensitivity and pain. A tooth that is damaged becomes at risk of infection, making it important to be seen by our dentist. When a tooth’s nerve or pulp is exposed, bacteria can get into the tooth. After looking at your child’s tooth, our dentist can determine if the tooth needs to be sealed or if the broken part of the tooth can be reattached. To preserve any parts of the broken tooth that have fallen out, place those pieces in a glass of milk. To relieve pain and stop bleeding, place a clean cloth over the tooth and apply pressure. A cold compress can also reduce swelling.

Injured/Bitten Tongue, Lip, Or Cheek

If your child has injured their tongue, lip, or cheek, you can stop bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. For swelling, use a cold compress. For severe injuries or bleeding, we recommend seeking urgent care immediately.

24/7 Emergency Help

When a dental emergency happens, rest assured that you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll help your child be seen as soon as possible and point you in the right direction for their emergency care. If your child has a dental emergency, please call us at any time.