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Emergency Pediatric Dentist — Hillsboro, OR

Fast Care for Hurting Smiles!

Shocked boy who should visit his Hillsboro emergency pediatric dentist No one expects a dental emergency, but they occur more often than you may think. Especially for children! Would you know what to do if your child suddenly broke or knocked out a tooth? Or if they woke up in tears because of a searing toothache? The most important thing to do is get in touch with our team right away! Your Hillsboro emergency pediatric dentist Dr. Michael Royse offers gentle and fast care for hurting smiles when your family needs it most. We do everything we can to see patients for same-day emergency appointments, so don’t hesitate to contact us right away!

Why Choose The Dentists At Orenco For Kids for Emergency Pediatric Dental Care?

What to Do in a Dental Emergency    

Little girl with a child’s toothache in Hillsboro First, take a deep breath and stay calm. Your child will respond to your reaction, so it’s important to do your best to keep a level head! Fortunately, with our team in your corner, all you have to do is follow these easy steps:

The Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Children’s dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they’re obvious, such as if your child is in tears with a painful, broken, or knocked-out tooth. However, sometimes you may be wondering if your child’s symptoms require urgent attention, such as lingering tooth sensitivity or a chipped tooth. Regardless of the situation, we encourage you to call us so we can help you determine how soon your child needs to be seen. Below, you’ll find some important information about a few of the most common children’s dental emergencies we treat.

Toothache

Is my child’s toothache an emergency? One of the most common causes of dental emergencies in children is toothaches. Not only are they distracting, but they can be quite painful. They’re often caused by cavities. You should make an appointment with your kid’s emergency dentist if they’re experiencing swelling, fever, fatigue, a loose tooth, or have developed a bump in the gums.

How you should handle your child’s toothache: Ask your child to rinse their mouth with warm water to wash away unwanted debris. Then, carefully inspect the tooth to ensure there’s nothing stuck between them. If your child is in pain, they can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress to ease any discomfort. Do not apply aspirin directly to the area because it can harm your gums.

How we treat toothaches in children: First, our team will need to conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause of your toothache. The most common solutions for cavities involve using a filling or a baby root canal. It’s worth noting that treating baby teeth is incredibly important for the health of future permanent teeth.

Learn More About Fillings

Cracked Tooth

Is my child’s cracked tooth an emergency? Your child can wait a few days to seek treatment if they have a minor crack. However, more severe cases require immediate care. For that reason, you should always make an appointment after your child has sustained a blow to the face.

How you should handle your child’s cracked tooth: Have your child carefully rinse their mouth with warm water to clear away lingering bacteria. If they are in pain, they can use a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain medication to ease discomfort. Make sure they avoid chewing on the injured side of the mouth while waiting for their appointment.

How we treat children’s cracked teeth: More often than not, we’ll fix cracked teeth with custom-made dental crowns. If there is minor damage, we may be able to repair it with the same tooth-colored material used for fillings.

Chipped Tooth

Is my child’s chipped tooth an emergency? Not always! However, your child should still get treated within a few days. Failing to do so can lead to serious complications down the line.

How you should handle your child’s chipped tooth: If your child has a chipped tooth, you should ask them to rinse their mouth with warm water to clear away unwanted debris. A cold compress can also be used to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Try to find and save the tooth fragment that broke off.

How we treat children’s chipped teeth: In many cases, we’re able to use dental bonding to address chipped teeth in children. Teens may want to consider getting a veneer if they’ve chipped a highly visible tooth.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Is a knocked-out permanent tooth a dental emergency? Is a knocked-out permanent tooth a dental emergency? If your child knocked-out one of their permanent teeth, urgent treatment is a must in order to try to re-plant and save the tooth. Try to reach our office within an hour of the incident and carefully handle the tooth to keep it viable.

How you should handle a knocked-out permanent tooth: Only touch your kid’s knocked-out tooth in Hillsboro by the crown, being sure to avoid touching the roots of the tooth. Gently rinse it under lukewarm water and make sure you don’t scrub away any remaining tissue on the tooth. Place it in a sealable container full of milk to keep it viable and bring it to their appointment.

How we treat knocked-out permanent teeth: Our top priority is to save their tooth. If it’s in good condition and we believe we can re-plant it back in its socket successfully, we’ll try to do that. Over the next few months, the root of the tooth will gradually re-fuse with the jawbone. If the re-placement isn’t successful, we may talk to you about replacement options they can qualify for as soon as your child turns 18.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Is a knocked-out baby tooth a dental emergency? Some people assume that because a child would lose their baby tooth naturally, it isn’t a dental emergency if an accident knocks it out a little prematurely. However, that’s not the case. If a primary tooth is lost too soon due to an accident, it could impact your child’s alignment of their permanent teeth. For this reason, we recommend bringing them in for an emergency visit as soon as possible.

How you should handle a knocked-out baby tooth: Have your child gently swish with saltwater solution to clear away any debris and use a clean piece of gauze to stop any bleeding. If your child is in pain, you can place a cold ice pack on their mouth for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for up to an hour to help bring down any inflammation and numb the area. If necessary, you can also use children’s over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the packaging. Try to keep them from eating until they reach our office.

How we treat knocked-out baby teeth: If your child knocks out a baby tooth, the circumstances under which it happens, along with their age, will determine our course of action. We may not need to do anything, or we may need to repair surrounding teeth if they sustained damage. If the baby tooth was knocked-out very prematurely, we may recommend a space maintainer to keep surrounding teeth from shifting to fill the gap in their smile.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek a dental emergency? Soft tissue injuries can be alarming, but as long as you remain calm, you may be able to take care of the issue at home, avoiding the need to see a pediatric dentist in Hillsboro. If you aren’t able to control the bleeding after 10 minutes, we recommend going directly to your local emergency room.

How you should handle your child’s soft tissue injury: If your child bites or damages their tongue, lip, or cheek, causing bleeding, it’s important to clean the area by having them rinse with saltwater multiple times. To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the affected area with a clean washcloth or piece of gauze. If you notice inflammation, you can also place a cold compress on the outside of their mouth.

How we treat soft tissue injuries in children: Typically, there’s not much we can do in this situation other than help clean the area and attempt to stop the bleeding. In some cases, we may even be able to provide stitches, if necessary.

Learn More Mouthguards & Sportsguards

Dental Concussion

Is my child’s dental concussion an emergency? A dental concussion occurs when a tooth has been shoved out of place but hasn’t been knocked out. This can happen in sports and sometimes just because a child is full of energy and taking risks. The urgency of this issue depends on the severity. Give us a call so we can schedule your child’s appointment accordingly.

How you should handle your child’s dental concussion: Have your child rinse their mouth carefully with water. Apply a cold compress and give them over-the-counter pain relievers as directed if needed. Until we can give you further instructions, do your best to avoid contact with the affected tooth.

How we treat dental concussions in children: First, we will check the tooth and take X-rays to determine the best way to treat the issue. Slightly concussed teeth can sometimes straighten themselves out over time, or they can be straightened with a splint. In more severe cases, the tooth may need root canal therapy, orthodontics, or an extraction.

Sensitive Teeth

Are my child’s sensitive teeth an emergency? In children, sensitive teeth are usually the result of a cavity. When cavities are left untreated, this can cause serious problems, and sensitive teeth can also be an indication of damage, worn fillings, teeth grinding, or an infection. Whatever the cause may be, the tooth could be in trouble, so give us a call.

How you should handle your child’s sensitive teeth: We’ll give you instructions over the phone when you give us a call. You may be able to have your child use desensitizing toothpaste to lessen the discomfort. It’s a good idea to have them drink lukewarm water and avoid eating foods that are particularly sweet or spicy.

How we treat sensitive teeth in children: Treatment will depend on the cause of the sensitivity. If your child has a cavity, a tooth-colored filling is likely a solution. In other cases, your child may need fluoride treatment or dental sealants. If their discomfort is due to an infection, root canal therapy may be necessary.

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? Fillings and dental crowns are reliable, but they don’t last forever. If your child’s falls out, they should receive treatment right away to keep the exposed tooth safe from further infection and damage.

How you should handle your child’s lost filling or crown: Try to find the restoration if you can. We may be able to recement it in place, but we will likely need to replace it entirely. Your child should avoid foods that are sweet, spicy, or acidic. If needed, discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns in children: If we are unable to fix the restoration, we’ll need to replace it. As long as we see your child right away, we probably won’t need to treat them for any other issues, like an infection.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Is having something stuck between my child’s teeth an emergency? This isn’t usually an urgent dental emergency, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you are struggling to dislodge the debris from between your child’s teeth yourself.

How you should handle something stuck between your child’s teeth: Try flossing between your child’s teeth and encourage them to rinse with warm water. Never use a sharp object, like a toothpick, as this can easily cause additional damage. If you can’t remove the object yourself, give us a call so we can help.

Understanding the Cost of Treating Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Family learning about the cost of children’s dental emergency care in Hillsboro Just as no two precious smiles are exactly alike, neither are any two children’s dental emergencies. As such, there isn’t a set price for children’s emergency dental care. Thankfully, emergency exams themselves are relatively inexpensive, and we’ll always give you an estimate for any treatments we recommend for addressing your child’s emergency. We’ll also make sure your dental insurance is being maximized and help you file your insurance claims. Below, you’ll learn more about how we can help you fit the cost of emergency dentistry in Hillsboro into your budget.

Every Pediatric Dental Emergency Is Different

child visiting emergency dentist in Hillsboro

Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to predict the overall cost of emergency dentistry in Hillsboro until your child comes in for an exam. Our team will perform an oral examination to determine the root of the problem. In some cases, the situation can be quickly addressed with inexpensive solutions like fillings or prescription mouthwash. However, severe emergencies may need more complex treatments like extractions or root canal therapy. Those services usually come with additional associated costs like tooth-replacement options and custom-made crowns. Rest assured – we’ll thoroughly explain your treatment options and their costs before moving forward with the process.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

dental insurance form on table

You’ll be happy to know that most dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for emergency dentistry in Hillsboro. Typically, at least one annual emergency exam is fully covered while most common services associated with hurting teeth (i.e., root canal therapy, crowns, extractions) can receive partial coverage. Of course, every plan is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage with an insurance provider before committing to anything. If needed, our team can help with this process.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save Your Money

two young boys smiling

Not every dental emergency is avoidable, but there are many precautions your child can take to avoid these urgent situations. Regular dental visits, a healthy diet, and a solid at-home oral hygiene routine will help your little one’s pearly whites stay in optimal condition. With these practices, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the years. Also, taking care of a problem right away can help your child avoid needing more complex and expensive procedures down the line. Getting early treatment for your child’s tooth can make the difference between needing root canal therapy and an extraction.

How to Prevent Pediatric Dental Emergencies

A child getting treatment for a dental emergency

You can count on a dentist to treat your child’s dental emergency. Even so, however, it’s better if they don’t need urgent oral care at all. Not only is the latter scenario less of a hassle, but it also saves you time and money in the long run. Luckily, The Dentists at Orenco for Kids can help: use the practices below to prevent pediatric dental emergencies in Hillsboro. Of course, don’t hesitate to book a visit if your tyke still suffers an oral crisis!

Have Your Child Get Twice-Yearly Dental Checkups

A young girl getting a dental checkup

Dental checkups can prevent pediatric oral emergencies just as they do with adult varieties. The visits let dentists spot and stop mouth problems very early. As a result, your child’s minor tooth issue won’t get out of hand and develop into something serious.

For the best effect, your youngster should start doing twice-yearly checkups once they’re one year old. Delaying their first visit any longer could lead to severe dental problems.

Practice Good Dental Habits at Home

A girl brushing her teeth while her mother watches

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, daily brushing and flossing reduce the risk of dental emergencies. The habits remove plaque, bacteria, and other particles that cause oral problems. In that respect, good oral hygiene makes you less likely to develop cavities, gum disease, or worse.

Ideally, your child should start brushing and flossing their teeth by around age five. Just make sure they only use a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Furthermore, consider giving them flossers or other aids to make flossing easier.

Be Careful with Your Child’s Diet

A young girl looking at healthy food on a plate

As it happens, kids are especially prone to cavities. That’s only natural in today’s world – so many carb-heavy snacks and sugary fruit drinks are on offer. Eaten to excess, such items can really erode enamel and weaken teeth.

Given these facts, one way for kids to avoid a dental emergency is to eat a “smile-friendly” diet. Lean proteins, dairy products, and crisp veggies have many nutrients that strengthen teeth.

Protect Their Pearly Whites with a Mouthguard

A young boy holding a mouthguard

If your child is athletic, they can be at serious risk of dental injury. Accidents often happen in sporting events, and many sports don’t require proper safety equipment.  The consequence is that a collision or fall could chip or even knock out their teeth.

Fortunately, you can always get your child a sports mouthguard. This dentist-made appliance would protect their pearly whites from external forces.

Remember: Teeth Aren’t Tools!

A young child biting their fingernails

Kids – especially really little ones – get into all sorts of mischief. At times, that means they might chew or bite things they really shouldn’t. Unfortunately, this habit might lead them to chip a tooth or cut their mouth.

To prevent a dental emergency, then, make sure your kids aren’t using their teeth as tools. The only thing they should bite are (relatively) soft foods, not toys or packages!

Pediatric Dental Emergency FAQs

child visiting emergency dentist in Hillsboro

Is your child experiencing a dental emergency in Hillsboro? If so, you’re probably looking for an emergency dentist who can provide immediate attention. At our practice, we’re ready to offer safe and effective care when your child needs it most. Our team understands you may have several questions about our emergency dental care, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you not see the answers you’re looking for, feel free to give us a call for personal assistance.

Should I Take My Child to the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

Most emergency rooms are not able to effectively treat dental emergencies, mainly because there’s usually no licensed dental professional on staff. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, you should make an appointment with our emergency dentist in Hillsboro. Our team will act quickly to get your little one’s smile back on the right track. You should only take your child to the nearest ER if they have a serious cut or laceration to the face, difficulty breathing, a fractured or broken jawbone, uncontrollable bleeding, or are unable to swallow.

What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?

More often than not, this is a sign of an infection or inflammation within the tooth. When a cavity inside the tooth allows air and bacteria to reach the sensitive inner portion, it results in irritation and the potential infection of the pulp nerves. There are some instances where throbbing teeth are merely due to chronic teeth grinding and clenching.

Are Knocked-Out Baby Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Since baby teeth are meant to come out, you may be wondering if it’s even considered an emergency when they get knocked out. If they come out prematurely, you should schedule an exam with a pediatric dentist in Hillsboro to ensure no damage has occurred. Permanent teeth can erupt too early if a baby tooth comes out too soon. If your child has uncontrollable bleeding or you think they damaged their jaw, you should take them to the emergency room as soon as you can.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

It’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected, which is why you should carry an emergency dentistry kit with you at all times. Make sure it contains the following essentials:

  • Small storage container for teeth or restorations
  • Sterile gloves (ideally nitrile)
  • Gauze pads and dressings
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement or another temporary filling material
  • Petroleum jelly
  • A topical anesthetic like Orajel
  • Dental floss
  • Ice pack
  • Your pediatric emergency dentist’s contact information