Emergency Dental Care for Kids: What to Do After Oral Trauma

Oral injuries in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA can happen in the blink of an eye—whether it’s a tumble at the playground, a sports mishap, or an unexpected accident at home. At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we know how stressful dental emergencies can be for parents and children alike. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the first steps and deliver fast, compassionate care when your child needs it most.

From chipped baby teeth to knocked-out permanent ones, here’s what you need to know when dental trauma strikes.

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Treating Cracked or Fractured Baby Teeth

Not all tooth fractures are created equal. Minor chips or surface cracks in baby teeth often don’t require immediate treatment but should still be monitored by your pediatric dentist. However, deeper fractures that expose the nerve or affect the root may require:

• Restorative treatment (like dental bonding or a baby crown)
• Tooth extraction, if the damage is extensive or there's risk of infection
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing and development of the underlying permanent tooth

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What to Do with a Displaced Baby Tooth

If your child’s baby tooth has been bumped out of its normal position—either pushed inward, outward, or twisted—do not try to reposition it yourself. This could accidentally harm the permanent tooth forming underneath. In many cases, these teeth can stabilize on their own, but a professional evaluation is still necessary to rule out additional damage.

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Knocked-Out Baby Tooth? Here’s What to Know

While losing a baby tooth early can be scary, you should never try to put it back into the socket. Doing so may damage the permanent tooth below the gumline. Instead, call Campbell Pediatric Dentistry right away. We’ll assess the area and provide the best plan for keeping your child’s smile on track.

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Dealing with Fractured Permanent Teeth

If a permanent tooth gets chipped, cracked, or fractured, time matters. Call us immediately so we can:

• Assess the extent of the damage
• Provide emergency treatment to prevent infection or further breakage
• Apply a protective restoration, if needed
• Share dietary and care tips to promote healing

Even if the tooth looks “okay,” internal cracks can worsen without treatment.

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Managing Dislodged or Loose Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth that have been knocked loose or shifted out of place should be repositioned as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can damage the supporting bone or gums. Our team at Campbell Pediatric Dentistry will carefully stabilize the tooth and guide you through the healing process.

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What If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out Completely?

This is a true dental emergency. Follow these steps immediately:

Stay calm and find the tooth.

Pick it up by the crown (not the root).

Rinse it gently with milk or saline—don’t scrub or remove tissue fragments.

Place it in a tooth-preservation solution, milk, or saline. Avoid water.

Get to our office immediately—ideally within 30 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation.

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Essential At-Home Steps After Any Oral Injury

While you're waiting to be seen by our team:

• Keep your child calm and reassured
• Rinse their mouth gently with warm water
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Apply gauze to stop any bleeding
• Bring any broken tooth fragments with you

Quick, calm care at home can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and recovery.

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Preventing Dental Injuries Before They Happen

While some accidents are unavoidable, there are simple ways to reduce your child’s risk of oral trauma:

• Always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports
• Teach safe play habits (no running with objects in the mouth)
• Stick to regular dental check-ups to catch structural issues early
• Childproof sharp corners or risky areas around the home

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Dental Emergencies Deserve Expert Care

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, fast-response dental care for children. Whether it’s a minor chip or a knocked-out tooth, we’ll provide the treatment and reassurance you and your child need—right when it matters most.

Call us right away for dental emergencies, or reach out with questions about protecting your child’s smile. We’re here to help every step of the way.