For New Patients
$50 off
ANY DENTAL SERVICE!
_____________
For non-insured patients only.
Cannot be combined with other offer. Can be used only once in lifetime of each patient, and cannot be used on previous balances.
Emergency Dentistry
While we hope that your child never has to endure a dental emergency, we know that sometimes accidents are unavoidable. In the event of a dental emergency, you can rely on our staff at Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists to provide effective care that addresses the need for restored oral function and improved comfort. If an emergency arises, we can make room in our schedule, most of the time, for a same-day appointment. We also work with trusted specialists if your child requires treatment beyond our expertise. If a dental emergency arises, be sure to call our practice as quickly as possible so that we can adjust our schedule to accommodate your child.
Common Dental Emergencies
For children, the most common dental emergencies include toothaches and traumatic injuries to teeth. When tooth decay goes undiagnosed and untreated, a severe toothache can occur. A toothache normally signifies that a tooth is badly diseased and therefore must be treated so that complications related to an infection do not arise. Toothaches can be very debilitating for children – making it difficult to speak, eat, and attend school. If your child develops a toothache, call our office immediately so that we can help you improve his or her comfort and schedule treatment.
Traumatic dental injuries tend to require emergency treatment – especially if the tooth has been broken. A deep chip or crack in a tooth can expose the root canal, which contains nerve endings, to oral debris and bacteria. This is why a chipped, cracked or broken tooth can be very painful for your child. If a tooth cracks or breaks, we recommend calling our office as soon as possible for treatment. Sometimes, a tooth can be salvaged if treatment is received quickly enough.
When providing emergency treatment, our objectives are to save teeth when possible, improve oral function and ameliorate discomfort.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although accidents do happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented by taking precautions. For instance, if your child plays contact sports or engages in high-risk activities, he or she should always wear appropriate protective gear such as helmets, chinstraps and mouthguards. Wearing protective sports gear can prevent facial injuries and damage to soft and hard tissues within the oral cavity.
When it comes to preventing emergencies related to oral disease, parents should make sure their child receives routine cleanings and checkups from our practice. Checkups and cleanings are essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy while also catching signs of potential problems as soon as possible. For example, when a cavity is detected early on, treating it is a quick and minimally invasive process. Unfortunately, untreated tooth decay will progress deeper into the tooth. As a cavity widens and deepens into tooth structure, it will damage more sensitive structures (such as the root canal) that can produce significant discomfort and loss of oral function. Preventing tooth decay is the best way to reduce the likelihood of your child developing painful toothaches.
Responding to Emergencies and Dental Injuries
The best way to prepare for a dental emergency is to keep our number on hand so that you can call us if a dental injury arises. We recommend storing our practice number in your mobile phone and keeping our business cards in your vehicle and wallet so that you can get a hold of us even when you are away from home.
If your child has broken a tooth, try to save the pieces of the tooth if possible in case we are able to reattach them. If a tooth has been knocked out or chipped, place the pieces of the tooth in milk or Save-A-Tooth solution (available in most pharmacies and supercenters) to keep it moist. If these two options are unavailable, the tooth can be held between the gum and cheek. When a tooth is broken, call our office immediately so that we can arrange for expedient treatment.
Our team understands that dental injuries and emergencies can be a traumatic experience for you and your child. In addition to providing treatment as soon as possible, we will work diligently to improve your child’s comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child breaks a tooth, call our practice immediately so that we can arrange for treatment. While you wait to see us, save the tooth (if possible) in case we are able to reattach it. Place the tooth and its pieces in milk or Save-a-Tooth solution to keep it moist.
A dental emergency means that a person should receive treatment for an injury or orofacial pain as soon as possible. The most common dental emergencies occur when patients endure facial trauma that breaks teeth or injures soft tissues and when a severe toothache is present due to a diseased or infected tooth.
When our patients require treatment for dental emergencies, we strive to see them as soon as possible -most times the same day as the injury. If your child has a broken or diseased tooth that requires immediate treatment, call us as soon as possible so that we can make room in our schedule to accommodate your child’s needs.
Many dental insurances offer coverage for emergency treatment. The best way to be sure your insurance covers treatment is to call your insurance provider or read through your insurance policy. If we are familiar with your plan and carrier, our staff might be able to answer some of your questions.
Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Three Locations
Our Dental Team
Our goal is to make dentistry a great experience for both kids and parents!
Dr. Chou has completed multiple years of specialized dental training in order to provide the best care for your children. Our wonderful team members are specially trained to deal with children’s dental needs. We make every effort to keep your child relaxed and comfortable. A child’s experience with the dentist sets the attitude towards dental health as an adult, so we want them to have fun and enjoy their visits.