Emergencies
If your child has an accident, please call our office as soon as possible. If it is an after-hours emergency, cell phone number will be given on the answering machine.
The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. Replace the tooth in the socket if possible. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or a clean wet cloth and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any pieces you can find.
Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an emergency occur during your child's appointment. We will provide you the same care should your child ever need emergency treatment.
Care of the Mouth after Trauma
Please keep the traumatized area as-clean-as possible. A soft wash cloth often works well during healing to aid the process.
Watch for darkening of traumatized teeth. This is a common result following trauma and could be an indication of a dying nerve (pulp). If the swelling should re-occur, our office needs to see the patient as-soon-as possible. Ice should be administered during the first 24 hours to keep the swelling to a minimum.
Watch for infection (gum boils) in the area of trauma. If infection is noticed - call the office so the patient can be seen as-soon-as possible.
Maintain a soft diet for two to three days, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
Avoid sweets or foods that are extremely hot or cold.
If antibiotics or pain medicines are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.
Please do not hesitate to call the office at (413)442-0122 if there are any questions.
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