Emergency Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Emergency?
Our pediatric dentists in Richland can help!
We're only a phone call away!
Need to Contact a Pediatric Dentist ASAP?
If your child is experiencing any of the following, call us as soon as possible:
- Knocked-out permanent tooth
- Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
- Toothache pain or pressure
- Dental abscess
- Tooth sensitivity
- Lost or loose filling
We’ll do everything possible to get your child in right away and/or provide instructions on what to do next.
What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?
Here are some quick tips that every parent should know!
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, it does not usually cause problems or require treatment. Contact us during regular business hours.
If your child has had a permanent tooth knocked out, see our pediatric dentists immediately!
If possible, find and save the tooth, then follow these tips:
- Hold it by the crown, not the root
- Rinse the tooth with water, but do not clean with soap
- If the tooth is not cracked or damaged, try to put it back in the original socket and have your child hold it in place by biting on gauze
- If you cannot put the tooth back in its socket, put it in a cup containing your child’s saliva or milk
Chips and Fractures
If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth, contact our Richland, Kennewick, or Sumner pediatric dentists immediately.
Rinse your child’s mouth thoroughly with water. If fragments have broken off, save them and bring them with you to the dentist.
If you do not take any action, the tooth could become infected and require extensive dental treatment.
Toothache
If your child has a sore tooth, try these tips:
- Gently clean the area
- Use floss to clear out any food that may be stuck in or near the tooth
- Have them rinse their mouth with warm water or warm saltwater
- Do not apply heat to the gum or tooth
If the pain persists for more than a day, please contact your nearest Smile Surfers office for additional treatment options.
Cuts
Has your child bitten their tongue, lip, or cheek, or is there a cut in their mouth? Apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. Then apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
If the bleeding does not stop, call a doctor, or take your child to urgent care or an emergency room.
Why Parents Choose Us for Children's Emergency Dentistry
Even in times of distress, we can help your little surfer smile again.
Same-Day Care
After-Hours Help
If you need help after business hours, call us at (509) 946-9999 and follow the automated prompts. We’ll advise you on what to do until we can see you.
Get Out of Pain
Convenience
All of our pediatric dental office locations offer before-and-after school appointment times. We also provide various financial solutions and accept dental insurance.
Kid-Friendly Office
Your child’s experience at the dentist is crucial for combatting fears and establishing life-long healthy habits. This is especially true when they are in pain or experiencing a dental emergency.
Preventive Dentistry
Our “Surf Instructors” focus on preventive care, meaning we help your little surfer protect their teeth from future dental problems with effective, long-lasting treatments and education.
Learn More About SDF
FAQs About Dental Emergencies
Curious? Check out the answers below!
What pediatric dental emergency services do you offer?
Our emergency dental services include:
- Treatment for tooth pain or pressure
- Treatment for knocked-out teeth
- Emergency extractions
- Emergency repair of chipped, fractured, or broken teeth
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Baby root canals
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
If your child’s emergency is life-threatening, such as uncontrolled bleeding or a broken jaw, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Otherwise, we recommend calling our pediatric dentists.
The reason for this is that most hospitals don’t have dental professionals on staff, so the most they can do is provide treatment for pain and infections. Your child will then need to visit us afterward to take care of the dental problem and prevent it from getting worse or reoccurring.
Going to the ER vs. a dentist for a dental emergency can end up costing you more, take more time, and worsen the outcome of the dental problem.
Do you accept walk-ins?
How much will it cost?
The cost of your child’s visit will depend on what services are required.
Smile Surfers Kids Dentistry believes all children should have access to high-quality, affordable pediatric dentistry, which is why we accept:
- Most dental insurance plans
- Cash and major credit cards
- Financing through CareCredit
Will the procedures hurt?
Pediatric emergency dentistry is meant to help your child get out of pain, not make the pain worse.
You can feel confident knowing our board-certified pediatric dentists and team have specialized training in pain management for children. From gentle techniques to kid-friendly language, we do everything in our power to put them at ease and earn his/her trust.
How can I prevent a dental emergency?
Great news! Most dental emergencies can be easily prevented with good oral hygiene and avoiding accident-prone habits, including:
- Brushing teeth twice per day
- Replacing the toothbrush every three months
- Flossing once per day
- Consult a dentist as soon as you notice a dental problem (don’t delay this)
- Visiting the dentist for regular exams and cleanings
- Completing recommended dental treatments
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Not using your teeth as tools (like opening packages)
- Not chewing on hard objects (like ice or pencils)
- Eating a balanced diet (avoiding too much sugar)
- Drinking enough water
