Child in pain before receiving emergency kids' dentistry

Emergency Kids’ Dentistry – Papillion, NE

Emergency Children’s Dentistry for Gnarly Wipeouts

Whether your little one is complaining of minor oral discomfort or knocked out one of their teeth playing with friends, we recommend that parents call us immediately. In many cases, the sooner an out-of-the-ordinary oral issue is addressed, the less invasive of a procedure is required to fix it. That’s why we encourage parents to keep our number programed in their phones for emergency kids' dentistry in Papillion, NE, just in case the unexpected happens!

Why Choose Surf's Up Pediatric Dentistry for Emergency Kids’ Dentistry?

  • Same-Day & Weekend Emergency Appointments Available
  • Experienced, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
  • We Accept Dental Insurance

How We Handle Dental Emergencies

Child receiving emergency dental care
  • Over-the-Phone Guidance: When you call our dental office, we’ll have you explain the situation and provide you with first-aid advice to help ease your little one’s pain and minimize their risk of experiencing additional oral damage. We’ll then schedule an appointment for them so they receive care as soon as possible.
  • Thorough Examination: When your child arrives, we’ll help them get comfortable in the treatment chair. If they’re in pain, we may administer a local anesthetic. If necessary, we’ll capture X-rays and Dr. Bryce will thoroughly examine their mouth to diagnose the issue at-hand.
  • Creating & Executing a Treatment Plan: Based on our findings during the emergency examination, Dr. Bryce will put together and explain a treatment plan to help restore your little one’s smile and oral health. Once we answer any questions you have and consent, we’ll work quickly to execute it.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Child holding cheek in pain before emergency dentistry

If your child is facing any of the dental emergencies listed below, you can click on the icon to view how we recommend preparing them for their visit and what you can do to ease their discomfort until you reach our dental office.

Toothache

Is my child’s toothache an emergency? Unfortunately, there’s a list a mile long of all the things that can cause your child dental pain. The most common causes of toothaches are cavities and debris stuck between the teeth. However, toothaches can also indicate that your child has a serious oral health issue, such as a broken or infected tooth. Your child’s aching tooth counts as a dental emergency if:

  • The tooth is visibly damaged or loose
  • There’s a small bump on the gums near the tooth
  • The painful tooth is darker than the surrounding teeth
  • There’s sharp pain when biting down
  • The pain lasts longer than 24 hours

How you should handle your child’s toothache: Check to see if their tooth is loose, discolored, or broken. Help them floss to remove food particles trapped between their teeth, and have them rinse with salt water. Give them a cold compress to keep the swelling down. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can sometimes help. If there’s a bump on the gums near the painful tooth, don’t pop it!

How we treat toothaches in children: How we treat your child’s toothache will depend entirely on what’s causing it. We may simply be able to use a tooth-colored fillings or a silver diamine fluoride treatment. However, more severe toothaches will likely need to be treated with pulp therapy or a tooth extraction.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings Fillings

Learn More About Pulp Therapy

Learn More About Silver Diamine Fluoride

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Cracked Tooth

Is my child’s cracked tooth an emergency? A broken or cracked tooth needs to be treated right away. Not only is a cracked tooth typically scary and painful for a child, but leaving it untreated is a recipe for disaster. The longer a broken tooth goes unrepaired, the higher its risk is of developing further, more severe damage, or even an infection.

How you should handle your child’s cracked tooth: Rinse your child’s mouth out with cold water and apply an ice bag to any swollen areas. Recover any lost tooth fragments if you can and bring them with you; it might be possible to reattach them in some cases. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to keep the area clean, and if possible keep them from eating until we can treat them.

How we treat children’s cracked teeth: Very minor cracks in the teeth can often be filled in with direct bonding, which is a tooth-colored composite resin. If the tooth is damaged beyond repair or if it’s been cracked beneath the gumline, we may need to extract it. However, the most common treatment for a child’s broken tooth is a pediatric dental crown.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Pediatric Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Chipped Tooth

Is my child’s chipped tooth an emergency? Unlike cracked or broken teeth, a chipped tooth won’t always hurt. Nonetheless, we want to see your child right away! The enamel can’t heal itself, so the longer a chipped tooth is left untreated, the higher the chances are that the damage will get worse. Even if your child’s chipped tooth isn’t bothering them, be sure to schedule an appointment with us right away!

How you should handle your child’s chipped tooth: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water, and try to find any large pieces of the tooth that you can. Put them in a safe container and bring them to our dental office. If the remaining tooth is causing irritation in the mouth, you can cover it with either a piece of sugarless gum or some dental wax (which you’ll find at your local pharmacy).

How we treat children’s chipped teeth: Fortunately, chipped teeth are fairly easy to fix! In most cases, we’ll recommend direct bonding. This tooth-colored composite resin can fill in the damaged area to look like it never happened in the first place. It can even be used to recement large portions of a tooth back in place in some cases! If your child chipped their tooth during a sports accident, we will likely recommend having them fitted for a custom athletic mouthguard for kids.

Learn More About Dental Bonding

Learn More About Athletic Mouthguards for Kids

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Is a knocked-out permanent tooth an emergency? You need to act fast in this situation because we can only save a fully dislodged permanent tooth about an hour or so after the initial accident. After that, the chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly. You’ll also need to take care to keep the tooth alive and viable on your way to our office, so be sure to follow our instructions!

How you should handle a knocked out permanent tooth: After you’ve called us, locate the tooth (if possible) and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the roots and rinse it with water. Don’t use any soaps and don’t scrub away any tissue! See if you can place the tooth back into the socket. If this isn’t feasible, or if your child can’t properly hold it in place, the tooth can either be stored between their cheeks and gums, or in a small container filled with saliva or milk. The tooth must remain moist in order to keep it alive!

How we treat knocked-out permanent teeth: We will do everything in our power to save your child’s knocked-out adult tooth! If it’s still in good condition, we’ll carefully place it back into the socket and secure it to the neighboring teeth, which will hold it in place as it heals over the coming months. However, not all knocked-out permanent teeth can be saved. While dental implants are the best tooth replacement option available, only teens that are 17 years old or older can qualify for them. In the meantime, we may recommend a space maintainer or a metal-free restoration.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Is a knocked-out baby tooth an emergency? While alarming, a knocked-out baby tooth is not usually an emergency. In fact, no treatment is often needed! However, if the tooth was knocked out suddenly or you’re concerned about your child’s dental health, we encourage you to call us right away. We’ll likely want to see your child at our next available appointment.

How you should handle a knocked-out baby tooth: Keep your child’s mouth clean by instructing them to rinse with water or by using a wet washcloth. If your child is in pain, you can judiciously administer an over-the-counter children’s pain reliever as instructed or apply an ice pack for 10-minute intervals.

How we treat knocked out baby teeth: Even though baby teeth are meant to come out eventually, losing one too soon can cause problems for the developing permanent tooth underneath. We may need to place a space saver right away to prevent the surrounding teeth from crowding into the space and trapping the permanent tooth. While there has likely been no damage to the secondary tooth underneath, we may want to complete an exam with an x-ray to be sure.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek an emergency? Cuts in the mouth tend to bleed a lot, which can make them quite alarming. Fortunately, they are rarely an emergency! If you’re concerned about the cut or are worried that your child’s teeth may have also been damaged, don’t hesitate to call us. If the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped within 10-15 minutes, go directly to your local emergency room.

How you should handle your child’s soft tissue injury: Some children have a tendency to bite their lips, tongue or cheek, especially if they had their mouth numbed for treatment. Try and make sure that your child doesn’t do this. They could hurt themselves and not know it due to residual numbness.

For more serious cuts, have your child rinse their mouth out with plain water or salt water to keep the injury clean. Press down firmly on the area with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding has stopped, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area for 10-minute intervals.

How we treat soft tissue injuries in children: We trust your instincts as a parent, so if you are ever concerned about your child’s bitten lips, tongue, or cheeks, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll clean the area, check your child’s teeth, and in some cases, we may provide stitches.

Dental Concussion

Is my child’s dental concussion an emergency? A tooth that has been shoved out of place but hasn’t been knocked out yet is considered a dental concussion. If your child is experiencing this, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. Depending on the severity of the situation, we may schedule an appointment for your little one right away.

How you should handle your child’s dental concussion: Ask your child to rinse their mouth carefully. Encourage them to take over-the-counter pain medication as needed and use a cold compress to ease their discomfort. While waiting for the appointment, tell your little one to avoid touching their tooth.

How we treat dental concussions in children: Our team will need to perform a thorough oral examination and take X-rays to determine the best treatment method. In some cases, slightly concussed teeth will straighten themselves out over time. Other patients will need to use a dental splint. For those with severe cases, the tooth may need root canal therapy, orthodontics, or even extraction.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Sensitive Teeth

Are my child’s sensitive teeth an emergency? Cavities are the most common cause of sensitive teeth in children. If you leave them untreated, it can lead to more severe complications down the line. Sensitive teeth could also indicate damage, worn fillings, bruxism, or infection, which is why you should contact your dentist right away to make an appointment.

How you should handle your child’s sensitive teeth: When you give us a call, we’ll provide first-aid instructions to help you manage your situation. Some tips we often recommend include using desensitizing toothpaste, drinking lukewarm water, and not eating sweet or spicy foods.

How we treat sensitive teeth in children: First, we’ll need to identify the root cause of the issue to determine the best treatment method. Some children may need a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, while others might benefit from fillings or root canal therapy.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Learn More About Fillings

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Lost Filling or Crown

Is my child’s lost filling or crown an emergency? Although dental restorations are certainly durable, they’re not meant to last forever. If your child’s filling or crown falls out, they need treatment right away to protect the exposed tooth from further damage or infection.

 

How you should handle your child’s lost filling or crown: If possible, find the restoration and store it in a safe place. Our team may be able to bond it back into place. Make sure your child avoids eating sweet, spicy, or acidic foods while they wait for their appointment. They can take over-the-counter pain medication to ease their discomfort and cover the tooth with sugar-free gum to protect their soft oral tissues.  

How we treat lost fillings or crowns in children: In many cases, children will need to get a replacement filling or crown. The sooner you get your little one to our office, the more likely it is that we won’t need to treat other issues like an infection.

Learn More About Fillings

Learn More About Crowns

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Is having something stuck between my child’s teeth an emergency? Not necessarily, but you should give us a call if you can’t remove the debris by yourself. Our team is specially trained to dislodge foreign objects safely and effectively from between children’s teeth.

How you should handle something stuck between your child’s teeth: If your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.

Understanding the Cost of Children’s Dental Emergencies

Child pointing to smile during children's dentistry visit

The cost of your child’s dental emergency examination and treatment will depend on a variety of factors that will be unique to their situation, including what type of procedures they may require and whether they need dental X-rays. Our team is happy to accept and file all dental insurance claims to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Here’s what you should expect when it comes to the cost of emergency dentistry for children in Papillion.

Every Pediatric Dental Emergency is Unique

a child patient undergoing emergency dentistry in Papillion

Since every patient’s oral situation will be different, it’ll be nearly impossible for our team to provide a precise price estimate without first evaluating your child’s condition. Certain issues can be addressed with more straightforward services, such as a filling, whereas other serious dental emergencies might need extensive treatments such as tooth extraction or pulp therapy.

Depending on what your little one needs, their dental service can significantly influence how much you’ll end up paying for their care. During their initial consultation, our team will walk you through the details of their treatment options and provide specific pricing information so that you know what to expect when it comes time to pay the bill.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Your Child’s Dental Emergencies?

a dental insurance form for the cost of emergency dentistry

Fortunately, the majority of dental insurance companies provide some kind of coverage for dental emergencies. This typically involves fully covering at least one annual emergency examination, whereas other common restorative treatments, such as extractions or pulp therapy, can get partial coverage. Since every policy is different, you’ll want to verify the details of your little one’s insurance coverage with your company before committing to anything. Our knowledgeable team can also help you with this process if necessary!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

a boy pointing at his painful tooth for his dentist

We understand that not everyone has dental insurance to help pay for their essential care. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have to empty your wallet to afford your little one’s dental treatments. Our team offers plans through a third-party financier called CareCredit that allows you to pay for your child’s procedures in monthly installments. Furthermore, they generally come with low-to-no interest, meaning you can save more money in the long run.  

Taking Care of Your Little One’s Smile Can Save You Money

a girl undergoing a dental checkup to avoid an emergency

Even if you’re able to afford the cost of pediatric emergency dentistry, it’s always best to adopt a preventive strategy when it comes to oral health. Most dental emergencies originate from complications like damage and infection that could have been prevented early on. Therefore, if your little one is experiencing discomfort or an injury to their teeth and/or gums, be sure to get it addressed right away before the problem can worsen. Help them also practice good oral hygiene every day as well as take them to visit their dentist every six months. This can help you save money while helping them maintain their beautiful and healthy smile.

Keys to Preventing Children’s Dental Emergencies

Little girl smiling after visiting emergency dentist in Papillon, NE

As a parent, you would probably prefer to prevent your child from ever having a dental emergency in the first place. While it’s not possible to avoid every dental accident or oral health issue, you can significantly reduce your child’s risk by making sure their smiles are well-taken care of. Below are some tips for avoiding dental emergencies; feel free to ask Dr. Bryce for further advice during your child’s next checkup.

Bring Them to the Dentist Regularly

Little girl having smile examined by emergency dentist in Papillon, NE

Just like adults, children should visit their dentist once every six months. During these preventive appointments, we can check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can turn into emergencies if they’re left alone for too long. We’ll also remove any plaque or tartar that has accumulated in your child’s mouth before they can lead to more serious issues.

Help Them Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Mother helping daughter brush her teeth in the mirror

Children need to start learning good oral hygiene habits early; that way, by the time they’re adults, taking care of their smiles will be second nature. Make sure that your child is brushing and flossing thoroughly every day; this helps get rid of many of the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and other potential emergencies. You should supervise your little one’s brushing and flossing sessions until you’re sure that they can do it on their own.

Make Sure They Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Little boy eating an apple after visiting emergency dentist in Papillon, NE

The foods your child eats daily can have a significant impact on their oral health. Too many sugary or starchy foods can put them at risk for severe dental decay or infections. On the other hand, crunchy fruits and vegetables, fat-free dairy products, and leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can go a long way toward helping them maintain a healthy, happy grin.

Have Them Wear a Mouthguard

Boy wearing mouthguard from emergency dentist in Papillon, NE

It’s wonderful for your child to have a sport they love to play, but unfortunately, it’s all too common for athletes to break or lose teeth while on the court or field. Giving your child a high-quality mouthguard to wear can help them keep their smile safe from any accidents that might occur. Remember: custom mouthguards provided by your child’s dentist tend to fit better and offer improved protection compared to store-bought oral appliances.

Teach Them to Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Their Teeth

Little boy holding up unopened package of food

You may see your child using their teeth to tear open packaging. This is a habit that you’ll want them to break as soon as possible, as it could potentially wear down their teeth over time and even cause them to break. Teach them to always use scissors or another type of tool to open packaging instead. If your child isn’t old enough to use such tools safely, then make sure that they know to ask for help from a grown-up when they need to open something.

Pediatric Dental Emergency FAQs

Should my child visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?

Unless your child is experiencing a potentially life-threatening symptom, like difficulty breathing, you should not take them to the ER. Remember, hospitals don’t typically have dentists on-staff, so they can’t fix cracked teeth, save a knocked-out tooth, etc. The best thing to do is call us ASAP. Over the phone, we can help in a few ways, including scheduling an appointment and providing you with instructions on how to handle your child’s dental injury until then.

Do chipped teeth heal?

Unfortunately, chipped teeth do not heal on their own. So, if your child accidentally damages one or more of their teeth during a sports-related accident or while playing on the playground, they need to come in for treatment from our Papillion emergency dentist for kids. We can restore the look, function, and health of their smile before the tooth breaks further or develops an infection.

Are knocked-out baby teeth a dental emergency?

There is a common misconception that knocked-out baby teeth aren’t a dental emergency because they are supposed to fall out eventually anyway. The reality, however, is that if one of your child’s teeth comes out too early, a number of complications can arise. Plus, there’s a chance that their surrounding teeth and underlying tooth were harmed in the process, which is another reason we need to conduct an exam and intervene with the necessary care right away.

What should I keep in my emergency dentistry kit?

Just like you have a first aid kit for cuts and scrapes, you should have an emergency dental kit for injuries to your child’s teeth and gums. A few items we recommend putting in yours are:

  • A small container to store teeth or restorations
  • Sterile gloves
  • Gauze pads
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement
  • Orajel or another topical anesthetic
  • Floss
  • Ice pack
  • The phone number and address of our office

Are toothpicks safe to use?

If your child has something firmly lodged between their teeth, you might think to use a sharp object, like a toothpick, to attempt to remove it. However, this isn’t typically recommended since accidentally swallowing a toothpick can be deadly. Plus, pieces of the toothpick can break off, irritating your child’s gums in the process. For all of those reasons, we recommend instead using floss. If the object remains in place, try having your child rinse with warm saltwater first. This can help dissolve and loosen it.

More to Explore

Checkups and Cleanings Cosmetic Dentistry Lip & Tongue-Tie Athletic Mouthguards Restorative Dentistry Sedation Dentistry Tooth Extractions What We Do