Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when it involves your child. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we understand how stressful these situations can be, and we’re here to help you navigate them with expert, compassionate care. Led by Dr. Shawne Barron, D.D.S., M.S., our pediatric dental team is ready to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, ensuring that your child receives prompt and gentle treatment.
Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, or a broken tooth, Dr. Barron is experienced in treating dental emergencies in children. Her calm, patient-centered approach helps soothe both children and parents, making the process as smooth as possible while addressing the problem effectively.
What to Do When Your Child is Having a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly—from a fall on the playground to biting down on something hard at dinner. Knowing when to seek immediate care is important for preventing further complications and ensuring your child’s oral health is protected. Some common dental emergencies include:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If your child has a knocked-out tooth, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care immediately. Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, quick action can often save the tooth. For permanent teeth, Dr. Barron may be able to re-implant it if it is brought to the office within an hour of the injury.
- Severe Tooth Pain or Infection: Persistent toothaches can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. If your child complains of sharp or throbbing pain, or if you notice swelling in the gums or face, it’s important to get immediate care. An infection left untreated can spread and cause further damage, but early intervention from Dr. Barron can relieve the pain and address the underlying issue.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: Children are active, and sometimes that leads to accidents that result in a chipped or broken tooth. While a minor chip may not always be an emergency, a severely broken tooth that causes pain or exposes the tooth’s nerves should be treated as soon as possible. Dr. Barron can repair the tooth with dental bonding, a crown, or another appropriate treatment to restore its function and appearance.
- Objects Stuck Between Teeth: If your child has something lodged between their teeth that can’t be removed with gentle flossing, it’s time to visit the dentist. Dr. Barron can safely remove the object to prevent injury to the gums or teeth.
- Broken Orthodontic Appliances: For children wearing braces, broken wires or brackets can cause discomfort or even damage to the inside of the mouth. Dr. Barron and our team can address these issues promptly to relieve discomfort and ensure that the orthodontic treatment stays on track.
How Dr. Shawne Barron Treats Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Dr. Shawne Barron, D.D.S., M.S., is not only an expert in pediatric dentistry, but she also has extensive experience in handling dental emergencies with care and precision. Her gentle, calm demeanor helps children feel at ease during stressful situations, and her advanced training ensures that your child’s dental emergency is addressed quickly and effectively.
Here’s how Dr. Barron approaches some of the most common pediatric dental emergencies:
- For Knocked-Out Teeth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, Dr. Barron will carefully clean the tooth and reinsert it into the socket if possible. Time is crucial, so it’s important to reach our office as soon as you can. For baby teeth, we focus on preventing infection and ensuring the surrounding teeth are not affected. Depending on the situation, a space maintainer may be used to ensure proper alignment of the permanent teeth as they grow in.
- For Tooth Pain or Infection: Severe tooth pain often points to an infection or advanced tooth decay. Dr. Barron will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the pain and recommend the best treatment. This could include a dental filling, pulpotomy (baby root canal), or extraction if the tooth is too damaged to be saved. She will also prescribe medication to manage pain and infection if necessary.
- For Chipped or Broken Teeth: When a tooth is chipped or broken, Dr. Barron will assess the damage and restore the tooth using techniques such as dental bonding or placing a crown, depending on the severity of the break. These treatments protect the tooth from further damage and restore its appearance, ensuring your child’s smile stays strong and healthy.
- For Orthodontic Emergencies: If your child’s braces or other orthodontic appliances break or cause discomfort, Dr. Barron can quickly address the issue by repairing the appliance and ensuring that it continues to function properly. She may also provide wax or other materials to help your child avoid further irritation while wearing braces.
Why Immediate Care is Essential for Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Prompt treatment for dental emergencies is critical in preventing further complications and preserving your child’s oral health. Waiting too long to address an issue like a knocked-out tooth or severe tooth pain can lead to more serious problems, such as infections, permanent tooth loss, or misalignment of the teeth.
By seeking immediate care at Ahava Orthodontics, you can ensure that your child receives the necessary treatment to prevent these complications. Dr. Barron’s expertise in pediatric dentistry allows her to act swiftly and effectively in emergencies, providing relief while protecting your child’s dental development.
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
If your child experiences a dental emergency, it’s important to stay calm and take the following steps:
- For Knocked-Out Teeth: Handle the tooth by the crown (the part visible above the gumline), not the root. Rinse it with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store the tooth in milk and get to our office immediately.
- For Severe Pain or Swelling: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact Ahava Orthodontics right away to schedule an emergency appointment. Over-the-counter pain medication can help until you reach the office.
- For Chipped or Broken Teeth: Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to control swelling. Bring any tooth fragments to our office, as Dr. Barron may be able to bond them back to the tooth.
If your child has a dental emergency in Fort Worth, Dr. Shawne Barron and the team at Ahava Orthodontics are here to help. Contact us immediately for urgent dental care, and we’ll ensure your child receives the expert, compassionate treatment they need to restore their smile and relieve their discomfort.