Dental Trauma & Emergencies in Lehi, UT
Dental injuries can happen in an instant, and knowing what to do makes all the difference. At Alpine Kids Dentistry, we offer after-hours emergency care for patients of record and guide you through the right steps when your child has a dental emergency.
If your child experiences any of the following, please reach out to our Lehi, UT team right away so we can help.
Toothache
Clean the area around the affected tooth and rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water, using dental floss to dislodge any trapped food. If pain persists, contact our office. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gums or aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress and call us immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply ice to the injured area to control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled with simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the emergency room.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth (True Emergency)
If possible, find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root. You may rinse it with water only, but do not scrub, use soap, or handle it more than necessary. If the tooth is intact, try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child hold it in place by biting on gauze. If you can’t reinsert it, transport the tooth in a cup of milk or the child’s saliva. Time is critical, so see a dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Contact our office during business hours. This is usually not an emergency, and in most cases no treatment is needed.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth
Contact us immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive treatment. Rinse the mouth with water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and bring any tooth fragments with you.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth
Contact our office so we can evaluate the tooth and recommend treatment.
Severe Blow to the Head or Possible Broken Jaw
For a severe head injury, take your child to the nearest emergency room immediately. For a possible broken or fractured jaw, keep the jaw from moving and go to the emergency room right away. For dental injuries that may require a crown or extraction, call 801-377-5437.
Dental Emergency FAQs
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse it gently with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If you can’t, store it in milk or saliva and see us immediately, since time is critical.
Is a knocked-out baby tooth an emergency?
Usually not. Contact our office during business hours. In most cases, a knocked-out baby tooth does not require treatment, but we’ll advise you based on the situation.
What do I do for my child’s toothache?
Rinse the mouth with warm water and floss to remove trapped food. Avoid placing aspirin or heat on the tooth. If pain persists or the face swells, apply a cold compress and call us.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
Yes. We provide after-hours emergency dental care for patients of record. Contact our office, and we’ll guide you on the next steps for your child’s injury.
What should I do for a chipped permanent tooth?
Contact us right away. Rinse the mouth with water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and save any tooth fragments to bring with you. Prompt care can save the tooth.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
For a severe blow to the head, a possible broken or fractured jaw, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room immediately rather than waiting.
How can I prevent dental injuries during sports?
A custom-fitted mouthguard protects your child’s teeth, lips, and jaw during sports and active play. Ask us about a custom mouthguard to reduce the risk of injury.