Whether your child has a knocked-out tooth, an unexpected infection, or any oral injury, you can trust Little Smiles of Washington to provide quick, effective, and gentle care that will put your child at ease during difficult moments.
What Is Trauma & Emergency Dentistry?
Trauma & Emergency Dentistry in Greater St. Louis provides urgent care to manage sudden or severe dental problems caused by injuries, infections, or accidents. These situations require immediate attention to minimize pain, prevent complications, and restore your child’s dental health. At Little Smiles of Washington, we prioritize emergencies to ensure your child gets treatment as quickly and safely as possible.
Common concerns addressed by our Trauma & Emergency Dentistry services include:
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Severe toothaches or sensitivity
- Oral infections or abscesses
- Injuries to the gums, tongue, or lips
- Dislodged or loosened teeth
We aim to provide effective solutions while keeping your child calm, ensuring the best outcome during a stressful time.
Signs of Dental Trauma & Emergencies
It’s not always clear when a dental issue qualifies as an emergency. Here are some signs that you should seek immediate attention for your child:
- Pain or Swelling: Sudden, severe tooth pain, facial swelling, or gum inflammation can indicate an infection or other serious problem.
- Bleeding: If your child experiences uncontrolled bleeding following an injury, this requires urgent care.
- Loosened or Displaced Teeth: Visibly loose teeth have moved out of their normal position or get knocked out.
- Broken or Chipped Teeth: Significant fractures or chips that expose the tooth’s inner layers may cause pain or sensitivity.
- Visible Abscess or Bump on Gums: This could be a sign of an oral infection, which can spread quickly if untreated.
- Trauma to Lips or Gums: Cuts, bumps, or other injuries to oral soft tissues that won’t stop bleeding.
If your child exhibits one or more signs, contact us immediately to determine the most appropriate course of action.
A quick response can make all the difference when dealing with dental emergencies. Here’s what you can do to help your child before reaching our office at Little Smiles of Washington:
- Stay Calm – Children feed off guardians’ emotions, so remaining calm can help reassure them.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Retrieve the tooth by the crown (the top part), rinse it gently with clean water (do not scrub), and place it in a container with milk or your child’s saliva to keep it moist. Contact us immediately.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: Gently rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to minimize discomfort.
- Severe Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area, and apply a cold compress to the face if it swells. Avoid giving over-the-counter painkillers to children without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Oral Injuries (Bleeding): Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Call Us Immediately: Don’t delay reaching out! Our team ensures fast intervention and priority scheduling to manage your child’s emergency.
Remember, the sooner we see your child, the better the chances of preserving their oral health and minimizing pain and future complications.
At Little Smiles of Washington, our Trauma & Emergency Dentistry expertise ensures your child is in good hands. Our dedicated team of dental experts uses advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and treat emergencies quickly and effectively.
Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Immediate Assessment – We’ll evaluate the nature and extent of the dental issue to determine the best treatment approach.
- Pain Management—Our priority is Keeping your child comfortable. We use child-friendly techniques for pain relief and stress reduction.
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology—Our clinics are equipped with digital X-rays, which allow accurate, fast diagnoses with minimal radiation exposure.
- Compassionate Care – We understand that dental emergencies can be overwhelming. Our team takes the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring that both parents and children feel supported.
Our facilities create a welcoming environment for children of all ages. With amenities like TVs, streaming services, toys, a toy tower, and goodie bags, we aim to make every visit as stress-free as possible.
Additional Benefits at Little Smiles of Washington:
- CareCredit: Flexible financing options for dental treatments.
- Smile Savers Membership Plan: An in-office plan to make dental care affordable for families.
With locations in Washington, Dardenne Prairie, and Hazelwood, we’re here to serve you and your child promptly whenever you need us.
Trauma and Emergency Dentistry in Greater St. Louis
Your child’s dental health and comfort are our top priorities. At Little Smiles of Washington, we’re committed to being your reliable partner in managing dental trauma and emergencies through expert care and attention. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be met with professionalism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to restoring your child’s smile.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait! Contact Little Smiles of Washington today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Jaime Orrick, Dr. Corey Hastings, Dr. Matt Freihofer, and Dr. Carly Boudreaux can ensure your child’s dental health stays bright, healthy, and pain-free.