Dental injuries and emergencies
A knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth or a toothache: what to do first, and when to call 911.
For a dental problem that is not life-threatening, call us. We try to see children the same day when we can. We cannot promise it, and we tell you plainly when the next opening is. Our phone is not monitored round the clock; outside our hours, go to an emergency room or call 911.
In short
Call us first for a tooth that is knocked out or broken
Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing
Same day when we can, and we tell you plainly
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What counts, and what to do first
- 01
Step 1: A knocked-out tooth
If it is an adult tooth, hold it by the crown and not the root, rinse it gently and call us right away. A baby tooth is not put back; call us.
- 02
Step 2: A broken tooth
Keep any piece, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and call us right away.
- 03
Step 3: A toothache
Rinse with warm water and call us. Do not put aspirin against the gum.
- 04
Step 4: A cut lip or tongue
Press clean gauze on it and call us. If the bleeding will not stop, go to an emergency room or call 911.
How an urgent visit works
Same-day wording
Call as early as you can. If we cannot see your child today we say so, and what to do until we can.
Comfort
Dr. Chandran numbs the area when it is needed, shows each tool first and stops when your child raises a hand.
Risks and after-care
You get written instructions on what to expect, and a number to call if it gets worse.
How it is billed
You get the fee in writing before treatment, even in an emergency, unless your child needs care right away.
How fees work
Questions about injuries
Do I need to be a patient?
No. Call us and tell us what happened.
Are you open after hours?
Our hours are on the contact page. Outside them, go to an emergency room or call 911 if it cannot wait.
Will I know what it costs first?
Yes, unless your child needs care right away. You get a written estimate before treatment.
Provided by a pediatric dentist
Dr. Padma Chandran, DDS, pediatric dentist, licensed in Wisconsin.