No parent expects a dental emergency but knowing what to do when it happens can make all the difference. At Children’s Dentistry of Texas, we’re here to help families in Richmond, TX, handle stressful moments like knocked-out teeth, sudden pain, or broken fillings calmly and confidently.
Whether you’re searching for an emergency dentist for kids or simply need fast guidance from a trusted pediatric dental team, here’s how to protect your child’s smile and get them comfortable again.
What Counts as a Kids’ Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that causes significant pain, bleeding, or risk of infection – and needs immediate attention. Common examples include:
- A tooth that’s been completely knocked out or partially dislodged
- A broken or cracked tooth that exposes the inner pulp
- Sudden, severe toothache or swelling of the gums or face
- A loose or lost filling causing discomfort
- A foreign object stuck between teeth that can’t be removed easily
If any of these happen, stay calm and contact us as soon as possible. Acting quickly increases the likelihood of saving the affected tooth and preventing infection.
Immediate Steps Before You Call
Here’s what to do right away if your child experiences a dental emergency:
- Stay calm and reassure your child. Children take cues from your emotions, so speak gently and let them know help is on the way.
- Control bleeding. Apply light pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water – don’t scrub or use soap.
- If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket.
- If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and head to the dentist right away.
- If it’s a baby tooth:
- Do not attempt to reinsert it – this can damage the developing adult tooth underneath.
- Apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding and call your dentist for instructions.
- For a broken or cracked tooth:
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress outside the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Save any broken fragments in milk and bring them to the appointment.
- If swelling or fever develops:
- This may indicate infection – seek immediate dental or medical evaluation.
- This may indicate infection – seek immediate dental or medical evaluation.
Finally, call our Children’s Dentistry of Texas team at (832) 471-8562 to explain what happened. The sooner we see your child, the better the chances are of a positive outcome!
A What Age Should a Child See an Emergency Dentist?
Any age. Babies, toddlers, and teens can all experience dental emergencies.
If your child is in pain, has visible swelling, or has lost or damaged a tooth, they should see us right away. At Children’s Dentistry of Texas, we treat children from infancy through adolescence and provide the calm, specialized care needed for kids in urgent situations.
Does a Pediatric Emergency Dentist Treat Broken Teeth?
Yes. A pediatric emergency dentist is trained to evaluate and treat:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Gum injuries or soft-tissue trauma
- Issues involving fillings, crowns, or orthodontic appliances
In many cases, treatment can begin the same day to relieve pain and stabilize the area. For more complex cases, we’ll plan next steps and coordinate any follow-up treatment required to fully restore your child’s smile.
After-Hours or Weekend Emergencies
Our Richmond office provides urgent dental care during business hours and on select Saturdays.
If your child experiences severe pain, swelling that spreads, or a dental injury after hours and you can’t reach our team, visit the nearest emergency room or urgent care. Medical professionals can help manage pain and infection risk until our pediatric dentists can see your child for follow-up care.
Once our office reopens, call right away!
About The Children’s Dentistry of Texas Team
We’re proud to serve the Richmond, TX, community with a skilled, experienced, and welcoming team dedicated to young smiles and comfort. From your child’s first emergency visit to their recall check-ups, you’ll find a calming and informative environment where we guide you through each step of their care.
Interested in learning more? Visit this page!
Review
“Came in for a last-minute appointment for my daughter. All the staff were nice and friendly, we had a great experience. Jessica, who did my daughter’s cleaning, was very sweet and explained everything. We felt very comfortable with her. The doctor was super sweet, and I will definitely be coming back.” – Ashli W.
If your child has a dental emergency – whether it’s a cracked tooth, swelling, or sudden pain – don’t wait. Fast, specialized care can help preserve your child’s tooth and comfort. Call Children’s Dentistry of Texas at (832) 471-8562 now!
FAQs
1. What should I do if my child’s tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse gently, and place it back in the socket if it’s a permanent tooth – or store it in milk. If it’s a baby tooth, do not reinsert it. Visit this page to learn more, or call us right away at (832) 471-8562!
2. How can I manage bleeding or swelling at home?
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze and use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid aspirin directly on the gums, and contact us right away.
3. Can a child’s broken tooth be fixed immediately?
In many cases, yes. We can often smooth sharp edges, bond fractured areas, or reattach fragments during the same visit. More complex cases may require additional appointments.
4. Are there 24-hour pediatric dentists in Richmond?
Full 24-hour pediatric dental clinics are rare, but we offer Saturday hours and same-day emergency visits as often as possible. For overnight issues, go to an emergency room and call us for follow-up.
5. What signs mean I should seek urgent dental care?
Call us if your child has severe pain, visible swelling, a knocked-out or loose tooth, bleeding that doesn’t stop, or signs of infection such as fever or facial swelling.