24/7 Pediatric Dental Emergency Care
What Counts as a Pediatric Dental Emergency?
A pediatric dental emergency is any situation that needs immediate attention to relieve pain, save a tooth, or treat a serious oral injury. The most common are knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, facial swelling, teeth broken by trauma, and objects stuck between teeth. Recognizing an emergency and getting care quickly can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Teeth
For a permanent tooth, rinse it gently without scrubbing, try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk, and call us immediately — time is critical. Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth; call us for evaluation instead.
Severe Toothache
Persistent pain usually signals decay reaching the nerve or an infection, and it will not resolve on its own. Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress and age-appropriate pain medicine, and call us the same day.
Dental Trauma and Fractures
Falls and sports collisions can chip, crack, or loosen teeth, and damage isn't always visible from outside. Save any broken pieces in milk or water and call us so we can check the nerve and the root.
Facial Swelling and Infections
Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums points to an infection that can spread and needs urgent treatment. Call us right away, and seek emergency medical care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
Mouth and Gum Injuries
Cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums often bleed heavily and look worse than they are. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze and a cold compress, then call us if bleeding won't stop or the cut is deep.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth
Try gentle flossing first, but never use a pin, knife, or anything sharp — you can injure the gums or the tooth. If the object won't come free, we can remove it quickly and safely.
Why Choose Children's Dentistry of Coffee Creek for Emergency Care?
Dr. Ferguson understands that dental emergencies are stressful for children and parents alike. With over a decade of pediatric dental experience, she handles urgent situations calmly and effectively. Our 24/7 emergency access means you can reach Dr. Ferguson directly when something happens, and we prioritize emergency appointments while giving you immediate guidance over the phone to manage pain and protect your child’s tooth until they’re seen.
What Families Say About Us
Parents across Edmond tell us the same thing: their kids feel safe here. The care is gentle, thorough, and never rushed.
Dental Emergency FAQs
What to do first, and when to call — the questions parents ask in the moment.
For a permanent tooth, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing, try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk, and call us immediately. For a baby tooth, do not try to replant it — call us for evaluation. Time is critical for permanent teeth.
Rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face, and give age-appropriate pain medication as directed. Avoid applying heat, and never put aspirin directly on the tooth. Call us right away for urgent care.
Call immediately for knocked-out teeth, severe pain, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the face and mouth. Less urgent issues such as a minor chip or mild sensitivity can usually wait for a regular appointment.
Be ready to describe the injury or symptoms, when it happened, your child’s age, any medications they take, and your contact information. Photos of visible injuries can help us assess the situation.
Use appropriate car seats and seat belts, have your child wear a mouthguard for sports, childproof your home against falls, avoid very hard foods that can crack teeth, and keep regular dental visits so problems are caught early.
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency care, though coverage varies by plan. We work with insurance companies and offer payment options so your child can receive the treatment they need.
New Patients Welcome
Dental Emergency? We're Here to Help
Call Children’s Dentistry of Coffee Creek at (405) 562-2222 for 24/7 access to Dr. Ferguson. We’ll guide you through what to do right now and get your child seen as quickly as possible.