As a parent, you work hard to try to provide your child(ren) with everything they need to feel safe and healthy, including taking care of their teeth. Though you do your best to protect your little one, sometimes accidents happen that can damage their pearly whites. If your kid fell and knocked out a tooth, for example, you’ll want to get them to an emergency dentist who knows has the correct expertise and instruments to handle still-developing smiles.
In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to feel anxious about where to go. Keep reading to learn 3 tips to help you find the right help!
Tip #1: Call for Help
If your child already has a pediatric dentist, they’re a great place to start. You can call their office and if they provide emergency services, they’ll schedule you for an appropriate appointment time either the same day or as soon as possible. They may also provide first-aid instructions for you to follow until you and your little one arrive.
For those who don’t already have a pediatric dentist and are not sure which ones in your area offer emergency care services, you can call Dentaly.org (an informational website) at 866-383-0748. They have resources to help you find a dentist to help in your current circumstances, whatever those may be.
Tip #2: Check Location
Depending on what type of problem you’re dealing with, you’ll need to consider how close you are to the pediatric dentist you’ve contacted for help. If your child is bleeding, for example, you’ll want to find someone as close as possible so you can get there faster. Try to find a provider within a 10-minute drive from you, if you can. If your child has a less pressing issue, like a toothache, then you’re probably safe to branch out a little further to find the right dentist.
Tip #3: Verify Hours
Some locations are open on evenings and weekends, but others are not. You don’t want to drive to your kid’s dentist in a dire situation just to find the doors locked! It’s recommended that you check the hours or call in advance to avoid this predicament. Most practices post their open hours on their website or include it in their voice messages if you call when they’re closed. It’s important information to verify because if your child has an issue during off-hours then you’ll need to find someone who can accommodate you at that time.
Now that you know what to look for in an emergency, you can get your child to a qualified professional quickly!
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean has 2 decades of experience helping children improve and maintain their dental health and provides a full range of services, including emergency dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and then obtained his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. His practice offers same-day appointments so that your little one doesn’t have to wait for relief in case of an emergency. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 884-5450.
