emergency info
Pediatric Dental Emergency Care for Kids in Simpsonville
When a dental emergency strikes, fast, expert care is essential. Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry is here for families in Simpsonville and surrounding areas, offering after-hours care to handle the unexpected with compassion and expertise. You can rely on our experienced pediatric dental team to provide immediate, reassuring support when your child needs it most.
After Hours Contact Information
For after-hours emergencies, call our office, where you’ll receive instructions for contacting our on-call team. At Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help your child feel better—no matter when it happens. Listen to our voicemail in full to get all the details you need.
What constitutes a dental emergency?
From severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth, dental emergencies can happen at any time. Recognizing what constitutes an emergency helps ensure your child receives the right care. Contact us immediately if your child experiences any of the following:
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Prompt care prevents further damage and alleviates discomfort.
How to handle: A broken tooth can lead to discomfort and should be addressed quickly. Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the face, and bring any broken fragments to our office as soon as possible.
Possible Broken Jaw: If you suspect a jaw fracture, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How to handle: If you suspect a broken jaw, try to stabilize it by wrapping a towel or handkerchief around the jaw to minimize movement. Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency room.
Severe Toothache: Persistent or intense tooth pain can indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or cavity.
How to treat: A severe or persistent toothache might signal an infection or decay. Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid aspirin directly on the gums, and contact us if the pain persists.
Knocked Out Tooth: Acting quickly increases the chances of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth.
How to handle: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown and rinse gently. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in milk or water if that’s not possible. Time is critical—call us immediately, as acting within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Injured Lip, Tongue, or Cheek: Injuries in the mouth area may require dental attention to ensure proper healing.
How to handle: Soft tissue injuries often bleed and can swell. Apply ice to the affected area, and press gently with a clean gauze to control bleeding. If bleeding continues after 15 minutes, visit the nearest emergency room.
When it’s probably not an emergency…
While dental emergencies can be serious, there are some common issues that don’t usually require urgent care. These include minor tooth sensitivity, mild discomfort from braces, and cold or canker sores. If your child experiences these, they may not need immediate attention, but you can always contact us for guidance if you’re unsure.
Emergency Dental FAQs
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Yes, a persistent or severe toothache can be a dental emergency, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity. Rinse the area with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove trapped food. If pain persists, contact us for immediate care.
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A knocked-out baby tooth generally isn’t reinserted because doing so could harm the developing adult tooth underneath. However, it’s still a good idea to call us for guidance. We can help assess whether further care is needed and advise you on managing any discomfort or bleeding. In most cases, the child will be fine, but a quick consultation can provide peace of mind.
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Have your child bite down on a piece of clean gauze for about 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, repeat once. For prolonged bleeding, contact our office for further instructions.
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For difficulty breathing, swallowing, or suspected jaw fractures, head to the ER. For most other dental issues, including toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth, contact Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry for specialized care.
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Cold and canker sores are generally not emergencies and often clear up on their own. Over-the-counter treatments can provide relief, but if the sore persists or is causing significant discomfort, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. In rare cases, persistent sores can be a sign of an underlying condition, so let us know if they don’t heal as expected.
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