Emergency Dentistry

Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for severe cavities, cuts that won’t stop bleeding, and damaged teeth. At Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry in Largo and Seminole, Florida, board-certified pediatric dentist Nancy Montgomery-Easley, DMD, and her team offer same-day emergency dentistry to kids and teens. If your child is suffering from tooth or gum pain that won’t go away, call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office, book online, or walk in during regular business hours.

What should I do if my child needs emergency dentistry?

If your child needs emergency dentistry, stop whatever you’re doing and contact Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry. The team always makes time for same-day emergency dentistry appointments. They have an emergency phone number for problems outside regular business hours.

Which problems does emergency pediatric dentistry treat?

The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team treats various dental emergencies, including:

• Lost and broken dental restorations
• Badly cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Damaged orthodontic appliances
• Partially dislodged teeth
• Severe toothache

Soft-tissue injuries, like busted lips and intraoral cuts, sometimes require emergency care. That’s particularly true if your child’s injury continues bleeding after rinsing their mouth or applying pressure.

Can minor injuries benefit from emergency dentistry?

Not all oral injuries need emergency care.

For example, if your child has a dull toothache that develops at night, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can provide relief until Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry opens the next day.

Likewise, if your child gets a piece of food stuck between their teeth, a toothpick or dental floss can dislodge the object and prevent further irritation.

What happens during a pediatric emergency dentistry visit?

Your child’s pediatric dentistry provider reviews their dental records, asks about their symptoms, and completes an oral exam. They use a small, hand-held mirror and gloved hands to assess the affected area, checking for soft-tissue damage, signs of decay, and gum disease symptoms.

Your child’s dentist also takes digital X-rays to check for underlying problems like damaged tooth pulp, infection, or impacted teeth (teeth that can’t break through the gumline).

After making a diagnosis, your child’s dentist develops a personalized treatment plan.

How can I protect my child’s teeth from dental emergencies?

The easiest way to protect your child’s teeth from dental emergencies is to teach them good oral hygiene. The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team recommends brushing your child’s teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the nearest office every six months for preventive teeth cleaning and X-rays.

Have your child wear a mouthguard if they play sports or enjoy extreme activities like mountain biking or skateboarding. Encourage them to wear a nightguard if they grind their teeth or clench their jaw during sleep.

Call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office to schedule an emergency dentistry visit for your child or teen, or book an appointment online today.