emergency dentist in duluth
While dental injuries and emergencies can be distressing for both children and parents, they are also quite prevalent. About one-third of children have encountered some form of dental trauma, and even more have faced situations necessitating the expertise of an emergency dentist Duluth.
There are two primary risk periods for dental trauma. The first occurs during toddlerhood (18-40 months) when children start exploring their environment, and the second is during preadolescence and adolescence when sporting injuries are frequent.
Below, we've outlined some of the most common dental emergencies in childhood, along with valuable advice on how to address them.
Toothache
Your kid can experience tooth pain due to various reasons, including decay, injury, infection, or permanent loss. This can happen while playing sports or ignoring routine dental care for an extended period. Our emergency dentist in Duluth, GA, identifies whether the tooth, its root, or any nerve is causing this discomfort.
Dental Avulsion (knocked-out tooth)
If your child experiences trauma resulting in the loss of their tooth, please contact our office immediately. If it is a baby tooth, place it in milk and call our office. If it is an adult tooth, time is crucial. Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown, not the root, and make your way to our office as soon as possible.
If your child has an intruded or displaced tooth, please call our office so that we can assess the situation properly.
Crown Fracture
The crown, which is the largest and most visible part of the tooth, is often the area that experiences trauma. There are different types of crown fractures, ranging from minor cracks in the enamel that do not require immediate attention to cases where the pulp is exposed and emergency dentist in duluth is necessary.
A pediatric dentist can easily determine the severity of the fracture by using dental X-rays. However, any change in tooth color, such as pinkish or yellowish tinges inside the tooth, should be considered an emergency warning sign. Minor crown fractures may be treated with dental sealant, while more severe fractures may require pulp treatments. If a crown fracture occurs, it is important to contact a pediatric dentist. Jagged enamel can cause irritation and inflammation of the soft oral tissues, leading to infection.
Root Fracture
Many times, our dentist comes across kids with fractured teeth. We identify these fractures with the help of certain signs. Your kid's teeth may appear to be displaced or lose their sensitivity to cold food or drinks. The nerve gets ruptured due to the dental trauma, making your teeth tender to even a little pressure.
Dental Concussion
Toddlers can experience dental concussions at any age, resulting in temporary or permanent discoloration of teeth. If the color doesn't turn black or dark, it may not be a dental crisis. Your kid definitely needs prompt care if the case is otherwise. Concussions indicate the teeth are dying, or they might require root canals to eliminate the infected nerves.
Injured Cheek, Lip or Tongue
If children accidentally bite their tongue, lip, or cheek, prompt treatments can prevent the risks of infection. These injuries need instant care from our pediatric emergency dentist. We will check if there is bleeding or swelling, which helps us decide the best course of action. If your kid bites the flap that presents under the upper lip, it may require a visit to the emergency room.
Fractured Jaw
Slips and falls, contact sports, and accidents are some of the common causes of jaw fractures in young patients. When this happens, your child will feel severe pain in the teeth, chin, and jaw. Some kids may face difficulty while chewing, swallowing, or talking. You shouldn't ignore these signs and visit our pediatric dentist for emergency dental care.
Head Injury/Head Trauma
Getting head injuries can cause dental trauma in children. This is the most crucial phase when parents might not be able to understand what is causing the pain and discomfort in kids. Visiting a kid's emergency dentist for immediate care can offer long-term relief and safeguard your child's oral health.
If you have any inquiries regarding Duluth emergency dentist, please consult your pediatric emergency dentist.