How To Recognize An Emergency.
Q: What should I do if my child has a dental emergency after office
hours?
A: When there is an emergency, Dr. Coppe is always available through
our answering system. In addition, we have also provided some do-it-yourself
tips for situations you can handle yourself.
Q: What should I do if my child breaks a tooth?
A: A broken tooth requires immediate dental attention. Rinse any
dirt away from the injury with warm water and place a cold compress
over the face in the injured area. Locate and save any tooth fragments
and seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Place the
tooth in milk if possible. Otherwise, place the tooth in water
to keep it hydrated.
Q: What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
A: If your child knocks out a permanent tooth immediately try
to find the tooth. Rinse the tooth in cold water but be careful
not to touch the root. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket
and hold it into place by having your child bite down on a clean
piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, take
the tooth to the dentist in a cup of water or milk. Time is a
critical factor in saving the tooth, so be sure to see your pediatric
dentist within 30 minutes!
