Emergency Dentistry
When your child is facing a dental crisis, time is of the essence. Immediate attention can make all the difference. Get in touch with us immediately to consult our experts! Not sure if it's a dental emergency for your little one? Read on.
Why Should My Child Get Emergency Dental Care?
First off, immediate dental care can relieve your child's pain or discomfort. Issues like tooth pain, fractured teeth, and other oral issues can lead to severe discomfort disrupting their academics, extracurricular activities, and more. Getting professional help will alleviate their distress so they can get back to their regular schedule. You'll also prevent additional complications caused by leaving their condition untreated. Most importantly though, you'll find relief knowing your child's oral health is restored once more.
What to Expect
Infant Frenectomy
The days and weeks following your baby's frenectomy can be a mix of relief and worry. It's normal to have questions about how your baby will recover. Knowing what to expect and how to care for them will help you feel more confident.
The First 24 Hours
- Managing Pain and Discomfort: Your pediatric dentist will likely suggest pain relief such as infant acetaminophen/ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. Gently using cold compresses on the area can also reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Monitoring Bleeding: It's normal for a bit of bleeding to occur. If needed, use gauze pads to apply gentle pressure. If bleeding continues or seems excessive, contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
Feeding Your Baby
- Breastfeeding Adjustments: Breastfeeding might be challenging initially as your baby adjusts to their improved mouth movement. Patience is important. Consult a lactation consultant if needed for comfortable positions and techniques.
- Bottle Feeding: If you're bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple flow matches your baby's new sucking abilities. Some babies may prefer a different flow speed post-surgery.
Oral Exercises and Stretching
To prevent the frenulum from reattaching and to promote healing, your pediatric dentist will recommend specific oral exercises. These will include gently lifting and moving the tongue several times a day. Following these exercises as prescribed is crucial for a successful recovery. Frenectomy Aftercare
Signs of Successful Healing
- Improved Feeding: One of the main goals of the frenectomy is to enhance feeding. You may notice better latching, more efficient feeding, and steady weight gain in your baby.
- Less Irritability: As feeding becomes easier and less painful, many parents see a decrease in their baby's fussiness and irritability.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
- Signs of Infection: Infections are rare but watch for fever and/or increased redness, swelling, or actual pus (wound sometimes looks white or yellow) near the surgical site. Call our office for any of the following:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Refusal to nurse or take a bottle
- Fever >101.5
- Reattachment: Sometimes, the frenulum can reattach if post-surgery exercises aren't done correctly. If feeding problems return, contact your pediatric dentist.
Long-term Benefits of a Frenectomy
- Enhanced Oral Development: Proper tongue movement is crucial for speech and oral health. Addressing tongue-tie or lip-tie early can prevent future issues.
- Improved Quality of Life: Resolving feeding issues through a frenectomy can significantly improve bonding and overall well-being for both parents and babies.
Caring for Your Baby
Navigating the post-frenectomy period might seem overwhelming, but with knowledge and support, you can provide a smooth recovery. Stay connected with your pediatric dentist at Dance Dentistry for Kids with any concerns.
After Hours Appointments
Dental emergencies don’t always strike during regular business hours. That’s why we offer after hours appointments so your child can get the care they need, when they need it most.
The Emergency Dentistry Treatment Process
Call For An Appointment
The moment you realize your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to contact our office. We'll discuss the issue at hand, arrange an appointment with your dentist, (on the same-day if necessary), and provide guidance on managing the situation until your child's appointment time.
Emergency Exam
When you arrive at our practice, your child’s dentist will conduct a thorough examination of their oral condition. They will work to identify the root cause of the problem and determine the most suitable treatment for your child's specific needs.
Treating Your Child’s Condition
Every child and every dental emergency is unique. Some common emergency dental procedures include root canals, dental fillings, crowns, tooth extractions, and splints for dislodged or loose teeth. Rest assured that our dentist will ensure your child receives the care they need to get out of pain and restore their healthy smile.
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Here when they need it most
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency exams for kids. There’s no need for your child to wait in pain. Reach out to our team for care today.
Necessary X-Rays
Limited Exam
Treatment Plan
The Benefits of Immediate Emergency Dental Care
Alleviation of Pain & Discomfort
A fractured tooth, a dislodged crown, or a throbbing toothache can lead to immense discomfort. The only solution to alleviate this pain is through professional dental care provided by an adept emergency dentist. After receiving treatment at our practice, your child can return to their daily activities without enduring pain or further distress.
Avoid Further Complications
Oftentimes, delaying medical help for your child can make their condition worse. For instance, if they have a tooth infection, early detection and intervention with a root canal or pulpotomy could potentially save the tooth. However, prolonged delays may result in irreversible damage to the infected tooth which might require extraction and pose serious health risks like sepsis - an extreme response to severe infection that can be life-threatening.
Weekend Appointments
If your child has a dental emergency over the weekend, you don’t have to wait until Monday for care. Our flexible weekend hours allow your child to get treatment fast so they can start smiling again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Problem-Focused Exams
When issues arise, our team can perform problem-focused exams (also known as limited exams) to help address the issues. Limited exams allow us to focus on what’s hurting or injured so we can get your kiddo out of pain fast.
