Dental Emergencies at North Texas Smiles

As a board-certified pediatric dentist and dad of four active kids, I’ve been on both sides of dental emergencies. I’ve treated little ones who’ve taken a tumble off a bike and chipped a front tooth, and I’ve been the parent rushing home from the playground with a crying child holding a knocked-loose baby tooth. Those moments are scary – they happen fast, and the worry hits hard. You just want your child out of pain, safe, and smiling again.

That’s why we prioritize same-day emergency care at North Texas Smiles. Our office is set up to see urgent cases quickly, often the same day you call. Whether it’s a sudden toothache keeping your child up at night, a sports injury, or an unexpected fall, we’re here to help – calmly, gently, and expertly – so you and your little one can get back to the fun parts of childhood without lingering stress or discomfort.

CALL NOW

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Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies We See:

Kids are explorers, and bumps, falls, and accidents are part of growing up. Here are the most common issues we handle urgently:
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth) Especially worrisome with permanent teeth, but we also guide you carefully with baby teeth to protect the developing adult tooth underneath.
Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth From playground falls, sports, or biting something hard – often painful and upsetting when it affects a front tooth.
Severe Toothache or Sensitivity Sharp pain, throbbing, or pain when eating/drinking can signal decay, infection, or trauma.
Dental Abscess or Swelling Redness, facial swelling, fever, or pus can indicate an infection that needs prompt attention to prevent spreading.
Soft Tissue Injuries Bitten tongue, lip, or cheek; cuts inside the mouth; or bleeding from gums/lips after a hit.
Loose or Displaced Teeth Teeth pushed out of place, intruded (pushed into gums), or excessively wiggly from impact.
Object Stuck Between Teeth Sometimes causing pain or swelling if it leads to irritation or infection.
No matter the issue, call us right away – we’ll guide you through first steps over the phone and get you in as soon as possible.

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What to Do Right Away (Before You Reach Us)

Staying calm helps your child stay calm too. Here’s quick guidance based on what we’ve seen work best:

For a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Handle only by the crown (not the root). Rinse gently with water if dirty – don’t scrub. Try to place it back in the socket if possible, or store in milk (or saliva in the child’s mouth). Time is critical – get here fast for the best chance of saving it.

For a Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse the mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces in milk or water if you can.

For Toothache or Abscess
Rinse with warm salt water. Use a cold compress outside the cheek. Over-the-counter pain relief (child-appropriate dose) can help temporarily – call us for specifics.

For Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injury
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Cold compress helps swelling and comfort.

Why Quick Care Matters?

Untreated dental emergencies can lead to bigger problems: infection spreading, pain worsening, or even affecting permanent teeth and growth. But with prompt, gentle treatment, most kids bounce back beautifully—often with smiles intact and no long-term issues. We use kid-friendly techniques, advanced tools, and – if needed – our sedation options to make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during care.

General First Aid
Avoid aspirin in kids.

No heat on swelling.

Keep your child from poking or playing with the area.

We’ll walk you through every detail when you call –
no question is too small.

Prevention Tips from a Dad Who’s Seen It All

Accidents happen, but we can reduce risks:

Mouthguards for sports (custom-fitted ones are best – ask us!)
Childproofing home edges and supervising play
Regular check-ups to catch decay early before it becomes an emergency
Teaching kids not to chew ice/hard candy or use teeth as tools
My own kids have had their share of tumbles, and quick action plus preventive habits have kept things manageable.

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Myths & Realities

It depends on symptoms and goals:

“Baby teeth don’t matter – they’ll fall out anyway”:
Not true. Infections or trauma in baby teeth can harm the permanent ones below or affect spacing/speech/eating.

“Wait until morning if it’s after hours”:
For most true emergencies (knocked-out tooth, severe swelling/pain), same-day care makes a big difference. Call us – we’ll advise if it’s urgent or if home steps can bridge to office hours.

“Emergency visits are scary and traumatic”:
We make them the opposite – warm, gentle, and focused on comfort so your child leaves feeling cared for, not afraid.

CALL FOR SAME-DAY EMERGENCY CARE TODAY

North Texas Smiles in Fort Worth – (817) 732-9341

Your child’s comfort and health are my top priority – both as their dentist and as a dad who knows how these moments feel. If something sudden happens or you’re worried about pain/swelling/injury, don’t hesitate. We’re here to listen, act fast, and partner with you to get your little one smiling again.