What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Accidents and emergencies happen more often than you might think. If your child accidentally knocks out a tooth or wakes in the middle of the night with a terrible toothache, you may need to make an emergency dentist appointment.

Some emergencies require immediate assistance. If you, your child, or someone else you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 right away.

If your child needs urgent dental care, but it’s not the type of emergency that demands immediate attention or a trip to the emergency room, a Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentist can help.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Some dental issues, like cavities, should be taken care of at a non-emergency dentist appointment. Dental emergencies include (but are not limited to):

• Toothaches
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Fully or partially dislodged teeth
• Objects wedged between teeth
• Lost or damaged fillings or crowns
• Broken braces or wires
• Loose brackets or bands on braces
• Infections around the teeth and gums
• Injury to tongue, cheek, gums or lips

If your child is experiencing any of the dental emergencies listed above in combination with severe pain or significant blood loss, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Book an Emergency Dental Appointment

If your child is a patient at a Kool Smiles partner clinic, you already have access to emergency services, including after hour appointments with an on-call dentist.

If your child’s emergency happens during the day, your local Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentist can advise you on the next steps. It’s best to call ahead, so the office can prepare for your child’s emergency care before you arrive.

Remember, a dental clinic may not be prepared to handle all types of emergencies. If your child is experiencing a true medical emergency, call 911 instead.