Pediatric Emergency Dentistry – Worcester, MA

Professional Care Right When You Need It

Child covering mouth before pediatric emergency dentistry

Parenthood is unpredictable, and unfortunately, some surprises aren’t exactly pleasant. In fact, they can be downright stressful. If your child suddenly has a painful toothache, or they sustain a dental injury, don’t worry—Kids' Smiles on Lincoln is ready to help. Just give us a call, explain the situation, and we’ll schedule them for a same-day appointment if necessary to receive pediatric emergency dentistry from our Worcester, MA emergency dentist. We’re able to act fast when it matters most to provide the relief our dental patients deserve!

Why Choose Kids' Smiles on Lincoln for Pediatric Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
  • Team Led by Certified Pediatric Dentist
  • Dental Insurance & MassHealth Accepted
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How We Treat Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Stethoscope and heart
  • Initial Call/Screening: On the phone, explain the situation as best you can, and we’ll tell you what to do next. We’ll go over first-aid tips and let you know whether or not you should bring your child to our pediatric dental office (or to the emergency room in certain circumstances).
  • Same-Day Appointment: If necessary, we’ll schedule your child for an appointment as soon as possible, even the same day that you call in. We leave time open for emergencies every single day, so it should be easy to work you in if your child needs help right away.
  • Screening/Diagnosis: Once you arrive, we’ll examine your child’s mouth, determine what exactly is causing the problem, and then we’ll go over your treatment options.
  • Relieve Pain/Make Repairs: We’ll do our best to get your child out of pain as quickly as possible, and if time allows, we will repair any damage to the teeth and mouth.

Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

There are many kinds of situations that are considered to be dental emergencies, so if your child’s problem falls into any of these categories, don’t delay in reaching out to our dental office to get the help they need. Here is how we handle a few common dental emergencies:

Understanding the Cost of Treating Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Person calculating the cost of pediatric dental emergencies

The cost of immediately seeking out dental care will always be cheaper than waiting around and allowing the problem to progress! That said, the price of care will also largely depend on the nature of the problem and the types of procedures needed to address it. We will thoroughly review all of this information when you come in for your visit, plus we can discuss how we can use your insurance and financing to make things more affordable.

Every Pediatric Dental Emergency Is Different

a child receiving dental care

You’ll be happy to know that emergency pediatric dentistry often isn’t as expensive as you’d expect! This is because every situation varies from patient to patient; for example, a slightly damaged tooth is usually cheaper to fix than one that has suffered severe trauma. When you bring your little one in for their appointment, we’ll quickly conduct an examination to determine the best way to resolve the issue. Then, we’ll talk you through each step of the process and explain every price detail; there won’t be any surprises when it’s time to pay your bill!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

a closeup of a dental insurance form

The good news is that the majority of dental insurance providers typically offer some level of coverage for pediatric dental emergencies. This generally includes all sorts of expenses, including full coverage for emergency exams and partial coverage for things like root canals, restorations like crowns and a wide range of other treatments depending on the specifics of your coverage. If you have any questions about your insurance plan and how it can be used to cover the cost of emergency pediatric care, our skilled team is happy to sit down with you to help; we want your little one’s smile to be taken care of, too!

Other Options for Making Pediatric Dental Emergencies Affordable

someone holding coins and a fake tooth

You might be worried that if you lack dental insurance, you might be unable to get your child’s smile the help it needs without breaking the bank—but don’t worry, as there are other ways of making things more affordable! In addition to working with various insurance providers, we’re thrilled to offer third-party financing through LendingPoint that can assist you with managing your child’s urgent care costs. We’re also proud to be a provider for MassHealth, which serves over 1.8 million Commonwealth residents with affording quality dental care.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile Can Save You Money

a child pointing toward her teeth

The bottom line is that the absolute best way to save money on your child’s smile is by simply taking care of it! A healthy smile is far less likely to experience dental emergencies—this is the case for adults and children alike. Do this by taking a proactive approach; ensure they’re brushing and flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding bad dental habits in addition to protecting their teeth if they’re active. With excellent at-home care coupled with routine preventive care, your child can enjoy great dental health for several years to come; and you’ll spend less time worrying about emergency dental expenses! In any case, if some type of injury does occur, be sure that you’re seeking treatment for your child promptly to avoid costly future problems.

 

Keys to Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Dentist explaining the keys to preventive pediatric dental emergencies

As an adult, you know how stressful, painful, and potentially traumatic a sudden dental injury can be. So, it only makes sense that you want to help your child avoid one at all costs. Fortunately, there are several simple ways you can accomplish that goal!

Prioritize Their Biannual Checkups and Cleanings

Your child’s six-month checkups and cleanings cover a lot of ground. In addition to screening for common oral health problems, like tooth decay, these appointments include the use of special tools that can gently remove stubborn plaque and tartar. Remember: if there is a sign of a problem between visits, contact us right away. That way, we can treat almost any issue before it turns into an emergency!

Make Sure They Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Habits like brushing twice a day may seem small, but they play an instrumental role in preventing oral health problems. That’s why it’s so important that they follow a solid oral hygiene routine at home. That starts with brushing for a full two minutes each morning and evening and extends to flossing between every two teeth that touch daily.

Encourage Them to Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Juice and candy are just a few sweet treats that are often loaded with added sugar. Unfortunately, indulging in foods and drinks like this too often can result in significant tooth decay. That’s why parents are encouraged to load their children’s plates with vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense options, like yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and cooked vegetables.

Get Them a Custom Mouthguard

Does your child participate in sports? Whether it’s through school or they just enjoy playing with their friends outside, it’s important that they wear a mouthguard. That way, their teeth are protected from any accidents that may happen. A custom-made one from their dentist is ideal since it’s designed just for them, preventing it from becoming a choking hazard.

Don’t Let Them Use Their Teeth as Tools

Remember: teeth are not tools! Using their teeth to open chip bags, bottles, or anything else is asking for an emergency visit to our Worcester pediatric dental office. Do your best to start good habits young by encouraging them to ask for help if they need to open something. That way, you can use the scissors or bottle opener, protecting their smile in the process.

Pediatric Dental Emergency FAQs

Person calculating the cost of pediatric dental emergencies

Dental emergencies can be alarming; not only do they have the knack for occurring when we least expect them to, but they also unfold when it’s undoubtedly very inconvenient! But when it’s your child’s smile at stake, the world can seemingly come to a screeching halt! That’s why our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has taken the time to gather a few of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about pediatric dental emergencies, so that when your little one is in need, you have the knowledge to act accordingly! Of course, if you have any other questions about pediatric dental emergencies in Worcester, don’t hesitate to contact our team today for further information or assistance!  

Are Knocked-Out Baby Teeth Considered a Dental Emergency?

Although baby teeth are intended to come out on their own, life is unpredictable—and several instances can result in a knocked-out baby tooth. That said, if a baby tooth falls out too soon, it can lead to consequences for the emerging adult teeth. Though it might not seem like a dire situation, you should still bring your child in for a visit if they’ve had one or more of their baby teeth knocked out. You shouldn’t try to replace your child’s baby tooth back into the socket, and if your child’s mouth is bleeding excessively, you should take them to the emergency room.

My Child’s Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt; Do They Still Need to Visit?

Tooth enamel is technically the hardest substance in the human body; however, it’s not invincible, and teeth can still suffer exterior damage and become chipped. If this happens to your child, they might not necessarily feel any pain. That said, you won’t know for sure if there’s interior damage to the tooth until you take your little one to their dentist—plus the damage could worsen without professional intervention!

Will My Child’s Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Generally speaking, toothaches don’t go away on their own—the pain is a symptom of the problem, rather than the problem itself! For this reason, it’s always best to schedule an appointment for your child if their toothache isn’t easing up. That way, the problem can be caught and remedied before it worsens. In some cases, toothaches involving pain around the tooth (not inside) can go away on their own, such as gum irritation.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dental Kit?

No matter what type of dental emergency is affecting your child, having an emergency dental kit ready to go can prove incredibly valuable. If you haven’t already, you should consider putting together a kit with the following essentials:

  • A card with your pediatric dentist’s contact information
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe for children
  • Orthodontic wax
  • Topical anesthetic such as Orajel
  • Dental floss
  • Cotton balls, gauze pads, or a clean handkerchief
  • A small storage container for displaced teeth or restorations

Toothache

Is My Child's Toothache a Dental Emergency? Even if a toothache isn’t causing a lot of pain right now, it could be a sign of a major problem that will only get worse without intervention. That’s why we always encourage parents to get in touch with our team the moment any discomfort arises.

How You Should Handle Your Child's Toothache If your child’s tooth is hurting, try flossing and rinsing around the area first to remove anything that might be stuck. Should the pain continue, place a cold compress against their cheek and offer them a kid-friendly OTC pain reliever until our team has the opportunity to address the root of the problem.

How We Treat Toothaches in Children The first step is always to examine the tooth and take X-rays to figure out exactly what is going on. Depending on what we find, we may recommend a filling, crown, or even an extraction if the tooth is beyond repair. Don’t worry – we will take every measure to make the entire experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible for you and your little one.

Learn More

Cracked Tooth

Is My Child's Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency? In short, the answer is “yes.” However, how urgently you need to schedule an appointment with their dentist depends. If the damage is severe, then it’s best to call for a same-day visit. If your child is experiencing minor sensitivity and discomfort, then you may be able to wait a day or two for treatment.

How You Should Handle Your Child's Cracked Tooth A cracked tooth can result in tooth sensitivity and soreness, so keeping your child as comfortable as possible is important. Fortunately, measures like avoiding crunchy foods, steering clear of hot and cold beverages, and taking an OTC pain reliever can go a long way.

How We Treat Children's Cracked TeethDepending on the severity of the damage, our Worcester pediatric dentist may recommend everything from a dental filling to a dental crown or tooth extraction. Of course, they will review all of the treatment options with you beforehand. As a result, you can make an informed decision on what’s best for your little one’s smile.

Chipped Tooth

Is My Child's Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since a chipped tooth often doesn’t come with any discomfort, this dental injury is usually non-urgent. Of course, the tooth is at risk of splitting further, which can lead to serious complications. So, don’t wait too long to schedule an appointment so we can take a look at it before that happens!

How You Should Handle Your Child's Chipped Tooth Similar to other dental injuries, help your child stay comfortable and keep the area clean. It’s important to take the added step of rinsing out their mouth with water to remove any small pieces. This will help prevent them from accidentally swallowing or choking on them.

How We Treat Children's Chipped Teeth The good news is that the look and function of a chipped tooth can be addressed simultaneously with dental bonding or a dental crown. In addition to the materials being incredibly durable, they also come in a wide range of lifelike shades, ensuring the end result is flawless.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Is My Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Yes! And if you want to save their tooth, you’ll need to act quickly. Give our office a call immediately after they’ve suffered a lost tooth and schedule a same-day appointment if possible. The sooner you visit our dentist, the better chance of having your child’s tooth reimplanted. It’s usually a six-hour window after the accident to potentially save it.

How You Should Handle a Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth Find the tooth and be sure to pick it up by the crown only. Do not touch the root or remove any of the tissue attached to it. Gently rinse the tooth with warm water and place it in milk or saline solution to preserve it until you reach our office. You can also use an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit if you have one! For the best-possible chance to reimplant their tooth, try to get to our office within the hour.

How We Treat Children’s Knocked-Out Teeth Our dentist may be able to reimplant the tooth if it’s not severely damaged. Over time, it’ll naturally reintegrate with your child’s jawbone and soft tissue. However, you might need to explore replacement options like a dental bridge for a kid’s lost tooth in Worcester if it has been outside their mouth for too long or damaged beyond repair. Dental implants are only an option when the jaw has stopped growing (age 16 for girls, age 18 for boys).

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Is My Child’s Knocked-Out Baby Tooth an Emergency? It depends! Even though baby teeth are meant to fall out, it can be a serious problem if they get knocked out prematurely. Call our pediatric emergency dentist in Worcester right away and schedule an emergency appointment. We’ll need to check the permanent tooth to see if it’s injured.

How You Should Handle a Child’s Knocked-Out Baby Tooth Although you may be tempted to, you should not try to put a baby tooth back into its socket. Not only could you damage the permanent tooth underneath, but also your child may accidentally swallow it. Instead, keep it safe and bring it with you to your child’s appointment.

How We Treat Children’s Knocked-Out Baby Teeth There are some cases when we wouldn’t need to do anything. However, if the tooth came out prematurely, a space maintainer may be necessary to keep the neighboring teeth from trapping the permanent tooth underneath.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is My Child’s Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek an Emergency? While cuts in the mouth can be alarming, your child’s pediatric dentist may be able to help if the bleeding is minor. However, if the bleeding does not stop, go to the emergency room before coming to our dental office.

How You Should Handle Your Child’s Soft-Tissue Injury Start by encouraging your child to rinse their mouth with salt water. Whether it’s the tongue, cheek or lip, you can apply a gauze pad or cotton ball to the affected site and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You can also use a cold compress to reduce discomfort and swelling.

How We Treat Soft-Tissue Injuries in Children First, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity, we may be able to simply stitch up the wound. If the bleeding is uncontrollable, your child may need to go to the ER.

Dental Concussion

Is my child’s dental concussion an emergency? A dental concussion is when your child’s tooth has been shoved out of place but hasn’t been fully knocked out. It’s a common injury in children who play sports, and depending on the severity of the situation, your child might need to come to visit us right away, especially if they’re in pain or the tooth appears to be darkening.

How you should handle your child’s dental concussion: You should ask your child to carefully rinse their mouth to wash away any lingering bacteria, and if needed, they can use a cold compress or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease any discomfort. Be sure they avoid touching or messing with the tooth until their appointment!

How we treat dental concussions in children: Our team will need to conduct a detailed oral examination and possibly take X-rays to determine the best course of action for addressing a dental concussion. Slightly concussed teeth can sometimes straighten themselves out over time. However, in some cases, solutions like orthodontics or a pulpotomy might be necessary.  

Learn More About Pulpotomies

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Sensitive Teeth

Are my child’s sensitive teeth an emergency? Cavities are perhaps the most common cause of sensitive teeth in children, and if left untreated, they can lead to painful complications. They’re often an indication of damage, worn fillings, bruxism or infection, and warrant an emergency appointment for your little one.

How you should handle your child’ sensitive teeth: You should call our office and explain your child’s symptoms so that we can provide first-aid instructions over the phone to manage the situation prior to the appointment. Some tips we often recommend include using desensitizing toothpaste, drinking lukewarm water, and avoiding particularly spicy or sweet foods and drinks.

How we treat sensitive teeth in children: After we’ve performed a detailed examination to determine the source of the sensitivity, we can prescribe treatment. Some children may need fluoride treatment, while others might need dental sealants.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Lost Filling or Crown

Is my child’s lost filling or crown an emergency? As durable as dental restorations are, they’re not meant to last forever, meaning that if your child’s filing or crown has fallen out, they’ll need to visit us quickly in order to protect the exposed tooth from further damage or possible infection!

How you should handle your child’s lost filling or crown: If you can, attempt to recover the lost restoration and bring it with you to your child’s appointment. Our team might be able to reapply it before looking toward total replacement options. In the meantime, be sure that your child avoids particularly sweet or acidic foods, and if necessary, they can take over-the-counter pain relievers or use a cold compress to address discomfort.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns in children: If the restoration is still mostly intact, in many cases it can be recemented back into place. Otherwise, the best solution might be to replace it altogether. In any case, visiting us immediately will ensure that we don’t have to address other issues like oral infection.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Is having something stuck between my child’s teeth an emergency? If your child has something stuck between their teeth, it isn’t necessarily an emergency; however, you should still contact us right away if you can’t remove the debris on your own. Our team is trained to remove foreign objects from teeth safely and comfortably. We can also provide valuable first-aid instructions over the phone before coming in for your appointment.

How you should handle something stuck between your child’s teeth: You can try using dental floss to carefully dislodge debris from between teeth, or you can ask your child to gently rinse their mouth with warm water. You should avoid using a sharp or pointy object to dislodge the debris, as this can cause serious damage to the soft oral tissues. Be sure to give us a call if you’re struggling; we’re happy to assist you!