When your child has a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental injury, it can be scary—for both of you. The good news is that most pediatric dental emergencies can be treated quickly and effectively when handled the right way.
At Laguna Heights Dental in Laguna Niguel, CA, Dr. Nazita Gaff and our compassionate team specialize in gentle, child-friendly emergency dental care. Whether it’s a chipped tooth from a fall or sudden tooth pain, we’ll make sure your child is comfortable, calm, and pain-free as soon as possible.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, call us right away—the sooner we treat the problem, the better the outcome.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies & What to Do
Dental emergencies in kids can happen at any time—whether it’s during play, sports, or even while eating. Knowing how to handle them before you get to the dentist can make a big difference in protecting their teeth.
1. Toothache (Persistent or Severe Pain)
What it means:
A toothache in children can be caused by:
✔ Cavities or tooth decay
✔ Food stuck between teeth
✔ Emerging adult teeth putting pressure on baby teeth
✔ Infection or gum inflammation
What to do:
✔ Check for food stuck between teeth and gently floss the area.
✔ Have your child rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.
✔ Use a cold compress on the cheek if there’s swelling.
✔ Give child-safe pain relievers if needed, but avoid aspirin.
✔ Call your dentist to check for cavities, infection, or other concerns.
Severe pain, fever, or swelling? Call us immediately—these could be signs of an infection.
2. Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
What it means:
If a baby tooth is knocked out due to an accident or injury, it usually won’t be reimplanted, but it’s still important to see a dentist to ensure proper healing and development of adult teeth.
What to do:
✔ Do NOT try to put the tooth back in the socket—this can damage the developing permanent tooth.
✔ Stop any bleeding with a soft cloth or gauze.
✔ Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
✔ Call your dentist—they’ll check if any other teeth or gums are affected.
3. Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
What it means:
If an adult tooth is knocked out, getting emergency care within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving it.
What to do:
✔ Find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root.
✔ Gently rinse the tooth with water (don’t scrub or remove tissue).
✔ Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible.
✔ If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva.
✔ Get to the dentist immediately—time is critical!
The faster the tooth is treated, the better the chances of saving it!
4. Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth
What it means:
Children can chip or break teeth from falls, sports injuries, or biting into something hard. If left untreated, it can lead to pain or infection.
What to do:
✔ Save any broken pieces and bring them to the dentist.
✔ Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
✔ Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling.
✔ Avoid hard foods until it’s treated.
✔ Call the dentist to determine if bonding or a crown is needed.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
What it means:
Fillings and crowns can come loose from chewing or injury. This exposes the tooth and can cause sensitivity or pain.
What to do:
✔ Cover the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum as a temporary fix.
✔ Avoid chewing on that side until the dentist repairs it.
✔ Call your dentist for a replacement ASAP.
6. Dental Abscess (Swollen Gums or Infection)
What it means:
An abscess is a serious infection that can cause swelling, fever, and severe pain. It needs immediate attention to prevent it from spreading.
Signs of a dental abscess:
✔ Swelling in the gums or face
✔ Pus or a small bump near a tooth
✔ Severe, throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw or ear
✔ Fever or difficulty swallowing
What to do:
✔ Do NOT pop the abscess—this can spread the infection.
✔ Have your child rinse with warm salt water to help drain the infection.
✔ Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
✔ Call your dentist immediately!
If your child has swelling that makes it hard to breathe, go to the ER right away.
How Much Does Pediatric Emergency Dental Care Cost?
The cost depends on the type of treatment needed. Here’s a general estimate:
- Emergency Exam & X-Ray – $50–$150
- Tooth Extraction (Baby or Adult Tooth) – $150–$500
- Filling for a Chipped or Cavity-Damaged Tooth – $100–$300
- Root Canal for an Infected Tooth – $600–$1,500
We Offer Flexible Payment Options:
✔ Insurance Assistance – We’ll check your child’s coverage and maximize benefits.
✔ Payment Plans & Financing – CareCredit & LendingClub available.
✔ In-House Membership Plan – Discounts for uninsured patients.
Why Choose Dr. Nazita Gaff at Laguna Heights Dental?
🔹 Advanced 3D Technology – Ensures precise, efficient implant placement.
🔹 Sedation Dentistry Options – Stay comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
🔹 Personalized Treatment Plans – Every smile is unique—we tailor your implants to match your face, bite, and natural teeth.
🔹 Expertise in Same Day Implants – Dr. Gaff has extensive training in immediate load implants for predictable, lasting results.
At Laguna Heights Dental in Laguna Niguel, CA, we prioritize precision, aesthetics, and patient comfort, helping you achieve a flawless smile in just hours.
