If your child has a dental emergency, please call (508) 625-5534. We offer same-day emergency appointments for kids. If your child has a dental emergency after hours, call the same number. A member of our team is ready to help you.
Emergency dental care is an important part of pediatric dental care services. Sudden or severe dental problems require urgent care from a dental professional. We offer emergency dentistry services at Children’s Dental Specialties in Worcester, MA, to help patients stay healthy and maintain their natural smiles. Our emergency dentists can find the cause of unknown dental problems and recommend the right solution.
Why Parents in Worcester Trust Us with Dental Emergencies
Not all dentists are the same. Here’s what makes Children’s Dental Specialties different:
We Only Treat Children and Teens. Your child isn’t just a small adult. Their teeth, jaws, and emotional needs are different. We’ve spent our careers learning how to care for them.
A Pediatric Anesthesiologist on Staff. If your child is very young, has special needs, or is terrified of the dentist, Dr. Patrick McCarty is here. He’s a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist who can provide safe sedation so your child gets the care they need without fear or pain.
Two Orthodontists on Site. If your child has braces or an expander and something breaks or pokes, we have orthodontists right here in our office who can fix it. Drs. Carvalho and Roth
Emergency Pediatric Dentistry in Worcester, MA
Dr. Moheban and his team work quickly to treat your urgent dental issues. We welcome you to learn what we can do for common pediatric dental emergencies what steps you can take at home if your child has a dental emergency.
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, examine their teeth and gums. Look for signs of gum swelling, dark or white spots on the teeth, redness, and bleeding gums. Taking note of any symptoms and a thorough examination in our office will help us find the cause of your child’s toothache. Many common symptoms accompany toothaches, including:
- A sudden, shooting pain
- Tooth pain worsening during sleep
- Chronic, dull pain
- Sensitivity to temperature, bite pressure, or sweet foods
We can provide many services depending on the cause of the toothache. Our team may provide antibiotics, schedule tooth extractions, and provide root canal treatment.
Broken Tooth
What to do right now:
- Find the broken piece if you can. Rinse it gently with water and place it in a small cup with your child’s saliva or milk.
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Call us immediately at (508) 625-5534.
How we can help: Depending on how much of the tooth broke, we may be able to bond the piece back on or restore the tooth with a filling. If the break is severe, we may need to remove the tooth to protect the adult tooth underneath.
Loosened or Knocked-Out Tooth
Does your child have a loosened tooth from a dental injury? Call our office. We can examine the tooth even if it isn’t knocked out because the tooth can still sustain nerve damage or have a root fracture.
If your child’s adult tooth is knocked out, follow these steps:
- Locate the tooth, hold it by its top or crown (avoid the roots).
- Transport the tooth to our office in a cup of saliva to keep it moist.
- Have your child bite on a clean piece of cotton, tissue, or gauze to minimize bleeding.
Injured Soft Tissues
Contact us if your child has a dental injury involving damage to the gums, lip, tongue, or other soft tissues of the mouth. We can suture the tissue if necessary. Sometimes, children only need an ice pack and gauze to reduce swelling and stop bleeding.
Braces or Expander Emergencies
If your child has braces or an expander and something breaks, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Poking wire: Try gently pushing the wire back into place with a pencil eraser. If that doesn’t work, cover the end with orthodontic wax or a small piece of cotton ball.
- Loose bracket: If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and call us. If it’s completely loose, we can save it and reattach it.
- Broken expander key: Call our office. We’ll help you get a replacement and let you know if your child needs to come in.
Call us at (508) 625-5534. We have orthodontists on our team who can handle these issues quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about emergency dentistry in our Worcester, MA office.
Is losing a baby tooth an emergency?
Losing a baby tooth is a normal part of growing up. Most kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6, and it’s a sign that adult teeth are coming in.
But you can visit our office if a baby’s tooth is knocked out too early from an accident or injury. We’ll ensure everything is okay and the adult tooth will come in properly. You should also call us if your child is in pain or there’s excess bleeding.
What if my child has an object stuck between their teeth?
If your child has something stuck between their teeth, try using dental floss to gently remove it. Be careful not to push too hard, as this could hurt their gums. Never use sharp objects like toothpicks that can damage the teeth or gums.
If flossing doesn’t work and the object is still stuck, call our office. We can safely remove it and check for any damage to the teeth or gums.
How do I help my child stay calm during a dental emergency?
To help your child stay calm during a dental emergency, try to stay calm yourself. Children often look to adults for reassurance, so taking a deep breath and speaking in a soothing voice can make a large difference. Explain to your child that the dentist will help them feel better and that you’re there to keep them safe.
Offer comfort by holding their hand or giving them a hug if they need it. Distractions like talking about something they enjoy or using a favorite toy can also help them feel less scared. Remember, staying calm and positive will help your child feel more secure during the emergency.
What should I do if my child cracks or chips a tooth?
If your child cracks or chips a tooth, gently rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area. Then, apply a cold compress on their cheek to reduce any swelling. If you can find the chipped piece, keep it and take it to our dentist.
Contact us as soon as possible. We’ll let you know if your child needs to come in right away or if it can wait. If your child is in pain, you can give them over-the-counter pain medicine, but avoid giving them anything directly on the tooth.
What if my child has a tooth abscess or pus around a tooth?
If your child has a tooth abscess or pus around a tooth, seek dental care right away. A tooth abscess is a serious infection that can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the tooth or gums. First, call our dental office. An abscess can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
You can give your child Tylenol or Advil to help with the pain. If your child is old enough to do so safely, you can have them rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help reduce pain and swelling. Never try to squeeze the pus out of the abscess because it can make the infection worse.
Is it safe to give my child pain relievers for a dental injury?
Yes, giving your child pain relievers for a dental injury is usually safe. You should always follow the directions on the label or consult your child’s doctor or dentist first. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Be sure to give the correct dose based on your child’s age and weight.
What if my child has special needs and is scared of the dentist?
We understand that some children need extra support. That’s why we have Dr. McCarty, a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist, on our team. He can provide safe sedation to help your child relax during emergency treatment. Call us to discuss your child’s needs before you come in.
How can I prevent dental emergencies in children?
You can’t always stop a dental emergency, but you can sometimes prevent them. Follow these tips to help prevent dental emergencies in children:
- Get your child a custom mouthguard if they play sports.
- Help your child brush and floss twice a day.
- Encourage your child to avoid hard foods (like ice or hard candy) and sticky candies that can break or pull out teeth.
- Remind your child not to bite their nails, chew on pencils, or use their teeth to open things.
- Take your child to our dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Patient Review
Contact Our Dental Office
Does your child need emergency dental care? Call us for emergency dentistry services in Worcester, MA, today at (508) 625-5534. If your child doesn’t have a dental emergency but requires dental care, you can schedule a dental visit online.