EMERGENCY CARE

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, Associates for Dental Care stands ready to help.
Please keep the emergency number, 201.488.8300, available and convenient.

Q: What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact Associates for Dental Care (201.488.8300) as soon as possible. The baby
tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent
damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Q: What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not
scrub or clean it with soap -- use only water!) If possible, replace
the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze
or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place
the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. The faster you act, the better your chances of
saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Quick action can
save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive
dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses
to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the
broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with
you to the dental office.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: You need immediate medical attention. A severe head injury
can be life-threatening. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team
might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call and visit the office promptly. To
comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Over-the-counter
children's pain medication, dosed according to your child's weight and
age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice
wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put
heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?
A: Your child's risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly
by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe
oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a
mouthguard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and
require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof
your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental
check-ups provide your dentist an opportunity to discuss additional
age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.