Emergency Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Emergency?
Our pediatric dentists in Moses Lake can help!
We're only a phone call away!
Need to Reach a Pediatric Dentist Urgently?
If your child is facing any of the following issues, please call us immediately:
- Knocked-out permanent tooth
- Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
- Toothache pain or pressure
- Dental abscess
- Tooth sensitivity
- Lost or loose filling
We will do everything we can to see your child as soon as possible and provide guidance on what to do next.
What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?
Here are some great tips that every parent should keep in mind!
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child loses a baby tooth, it usually doesn’t cause any issues or require treatment. Just give us a call during regular business hours.
However, if a permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s important to see our pediatric dentists right away!
If possible, find and save the tooth, then follow these tips:
- Hold it by the crown, not the root
- Rinse the tooth with water, but do not clean with soap
- If the tooth is not cracked or damaged, try to put it back in the original socket and have your child hold it in place by biting on gauze
- If you cannot put the tooth back in its socket, put it in a cup containing your child’s saliva or milk
Chips and Fractures
If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth, please contact our pediatric dentists in Moses Lake, Richland, Kennewick, Auburn or Sumner right away.
Make sure to rinse your child’s mouth thoroughly with water. If any fragments have broken off, save them and bring them along to the dentist.
Taking prompt action is important; otherwise, the tooth could become infected and require more extensive treatment.
Toothache
If your child has a sore tooth, here are some helpful tips to try:
- Gently clean the affected area.
- Use floss to remove any food that might be stuck near the tooth.
- Have them rinse their mouth with warm water or a warm saltwater solution.
- Avoid applying heat to the gum or tooth.
If the pain continues for more than a day, please reach out to your nearest Smile Surfers office for further treatment options.
Cuts
Has your child bitten their tongue, lip, or cheek, or do they have a cut in their mouth? To stop the bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. After that, use ice on the area to help reduce swelling and ease pain.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, please call a doctor or take your child to urgent care or the emergency room.
Why Parents Choose Us for Children's Emergency Dentistry
Even in challenging moments, we’re here to help your little surfer smile once more.
Same-Day Care
Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, but we’re committed to seeing your child the same day and providing the care they need.
After-Hours Help
If you need assistance after hours, please call us and follow the automated prompts. We’ll guide you on what to do until you can come in.
Get Out of Pain
We’re here to help your child feel better as quickly as possible. If treatment is needed, we’ll use gentle techniques along with anesthetic or sedation to ensure they stay comfortable and relaxed.
Convenience
All of our pediatric dental offices offer convenient appointment times before and after school. We also provide a range of financial options and accept dental insurance to make care more accessible.
Kid-Friendly Office
Your child’s visit to the dentist is vital for overcoming fears and building lifelong healthy habits, especially when they are in pain or facing a dental emergency.
Preventive Dentistry
Our “Surf Instructors” prioritize preventive care, ensuring that your little surfer can safeguard their teeth from future dental issues through effective, long-lasting treatments and education.
Learn More About SDF
FAQs About Dental Emergencies
Got questions? Take a look at the answers below!
What pediatric dental emergency services are available?
Our emergency dental services include:
- Treatment for tooth pain or pressure
- Treatment for knocked-out teeth
- Emergency extractions
- Emergency repair of chipped, fractured, or broken teeth
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Baby root canals
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
If your child is facing a life-threatening emergency, like uncontrolled bleeding or a broken jaw, please call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.
For other dental emergencies, we recommend reaching out to our pediatric dentists directly.
Most hospitals don’t have dental professionals on staff, so they can only offer pain relief or treat infections. After that, your child will still need to visit us to address the dental issue and prevent it from worsening or happening again.
Choosing the ER over a dentist for dental emergencies can lead to higher costs, longer wait times, and potentially poorer outcomes for your child’s dental health.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We’d appreciate it if you could call us before arriving.
What will be the cost?
The cost of your child’s visit will vary based on the services needed.
At Smile Surfers Kids Dentistry, we believe that every child deserves access to top-notch, affordable pediatric dentistry. That’s why we accept:
- Most dental insurance plans
- Cash and major credit cards
- Financing options through CareCredit
Will the procedures be painful?
Pediatric emergency dentistry focuses on relieving your child’s pain rather than causing more discomfort.
You can rest assured that our board-certified pediatric dentists and staff are specially trained in pain management for children. Using gentle techniques and kid-friendly language, we strive to create a comfortable environment that helps your child feel at ease and builds their trust in us.
What steps can I take to avoid a dental emergency?
Fantastic news! Many dental emergencies can be easily avoided by practicing good oral hygiene and steering clear of accident-prone habits, such as:
- Brushing teeth twice a day
- Replacing the toothbrush every three months
- Flossing daily
- Visiting the dentist promptly if you notice any dental issues (don’t wait!)
- Attending regular check-ups and cleanings
- Completing any recommended dental treatments
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities
- Avoiding the use of teeth as tools (like opening packages)
- Not chewing on hard objects (like ice or pencils)
- Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugar intake
- Staying hydrated with plenty of water
