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Jerger Pediatric Dentistry
Where Beautiful Smiles Begin
Child undergoing teeth cleaning in Decatur, IL

Is It a Dental Emergency? Your Pediatric Dentist's Guide to Urgent Dental Situations

July 11, 2023
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Kid smiling during a dental emergency check up at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry

Dental emergencies can be scary! Especially if it's your little one experiencing pain or trauma. The good news is that emergencies aren't so overwhelming when you have a pediatric dentist you can rely on.

Dr. Bret Jerger, your trusted children's emergency dentist in Decatur, IL, has some dental emergency management tips. 

What to Do During a Dental Emergency in Decatur

During a dental emergency, the first step is not to panic! Remaining calm will help your child also feel calm and confident there's a solution to their situation (which there is). 

The next step is to contact your emergency dentist at (217) 875-3080 for guidance on whether your child needs immediate attention. Some of the dental emergencies where we will need to see your child right away are:

  • Severe toothaches - This could indicate a tooth infection or abscess, which we need to treat immediately
  • A broken tooth - We'll need to repair a fractured tooth to avoid further damage. If the tooth is chipped, we may need to smooth it so it doesn't irritate their gums or soft tissues. 
  • Knocked-out tooth - We will need to see your child if they have a tooth knocked out. Treatment will vary depending on whether it's a primary (baby) or permanent (adult) tooth.

If your child has tooth decay or cavity, they may not need immediate attention, and we can schedule them for a future appointment. Our team is happy to provide guidance over the phone and help assess your emergency. 

Help Your Child Avoid Dental Emergencies

Did you know that some tooth emergencies can be avoided? With regular teeth cleanings and checkups every six months, we can spot potential problems before they become more significant concerns. 

You can also protect your child's smile by getting a custom mouthguard if they participate in sports. Sports injuries account for nearly half of dental emergencies. 

Contact your team at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry at (217) 875-3080 if your child has a dental emergency in Decatur, IL.

Shout Out to Our Smiles of the Month Club Winners for May!

 

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