Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison and Dr. Britt are on call should your child experience a dental emergency. If an emergency presents during office hours, call us and we will make every effort to see your child. If an emergency presents after hours, you can call our office and the voicemail will give you instructions on how to reach Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison or Dr. Britt.
Toothache
Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact our office. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact our office immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call our office or visit the Cincinnati Children's Hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Contact our office. Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth
Time is a critical factor, contact our office immediately so as to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the appointment.
Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth
Contact our office. Depending on the size of the fracture, treatment options include: bonding the tooth, smoothing the fracture, no treatment, or sometimes extraction.
Severe Blow to the Head
Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
