Emergency Pediatric Dentist — Chesterfield, MO

Fast & Effective Emergency Treatment

In the midst of a dental emergency, it can be difficult to make the best decision for your child’s oral and overall health. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have the phone number of a trusted specialist, like Dr. Sedighi, with you at all times. When you call our dental office for emergency dental care in Chesterfield, we’ll provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and make sure that you know how to take care of your child’s mouth until you reach our dental office, and we can provide them with necessary treatment. To learn more about our services, continue reading or give our office a call today!

Child in need of emergency dentistry covering her mouth

Why Choose Homer Sedighi, D.M.D. for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Licensed Pediatric Dentist
  • Convenient Dental Office Hours
  • Hospital Sedation Dentistry Available

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Child in need of emergency dentistry holding cheek in pain
  • Schedule a same-day appointment. When you call our office, we’ll schedule your child as soon as possible, likely the same day as their injury. Over the phone, we’ll share tips to handle the situation in the meantime.
  • Perform an emergency exam. Sedighi will perform an oral examination to evaluate the extent of the situation. If needed, X-rays will be taken to help identify the source of the problem.
  • Review findings. Afterward, Dr. Sedighi will go over their findings and create a custom treatment plan to get your child’s oral health back on the right track. He’ll thoroughly explain everything to ensure you understand what’s going on before you commit to anything.
  • Provide the care you need. We’ll work quickly to address the root cause of your child’s dental emergency. Some common solutions include fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, and extraction.

The Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

The first step you should always take if your child experiences a dental emergency is to call our dental office so we can schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If your child is in pain or discomfort, we’ll provide you with some advice over the phone on how you can make them feel more comfortable. Once you get to our dental office, we’ll make sure that they’re well taken care of and keep you informed regarding any diagnoses or treatment options that we determine could help. In the meantime, here’s how you can manage some of the most common dental emergencies.

Understanding the Cost of Pediatric Dental Emergencies 

pediatric dental emergency in Chesterfield

When your child faces a dental emergency in Chesterfield, the first thing on your mind may be how to get them pain relief as quickly as possible. The second thing on your mind might be how much it will cost to have a dentist treat their problem. Dr. Sedighi and our team do not want you to worry too much about the price of emergency care, which is why we’re ready to help you explore your payment options and settle on one that works within your budget. Contact us today to learn more about our practice’s financial policies.

Every Pediatric Dental Emergency is Different

a child holding his cheek due to tooth pain

In many cases, our team won’t be able to provide you with a price estimate for your child’s dental emergency without first seeing them to assess their situation. Certain issues may simply require essential treatments like tooth-colored fillings, whereas other serious instances might need extensive procedures such as a tooth extraction or pulp therapy. The kind of treatment your little one will need will impact the overall cost of their dental care. Once you bring them into our office, our team can evaluate their oral health and then walk you through their treatment options as well as how much you can expect to pay.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

a dental insurance form for the cost of dental emergencies

The majority of dental insurance companies will offer some kind of coverage for pediatric dental emergencies. This can typically involve fully covering at least one annual emergency exam, whereas other common services that treat tooth pain (such as dental crowns, pulp therapy, and extractions) can get partial coverage. That said, every insurance policy varies from person to person, so you’ll need to verify the details of your plan with your provider to see how they can cover your child’s emergency dental care. You can also consult our knowledgeable team and we’ll be happy to help you make this process easier.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile Can Save You Money

a father and son flossing their teeth together

Even if you take numerous precautions to help protect your child’s smile, some oral health complications aren’t always avoidable. In most cases, an urgent situation can occur due to damage and/or infection that was left unaddressed for too long. That’s why, if your little one ever complains about a toothache or damage to their smile or gums, be sure to get them the treatment they need right away. This will help them avoid needing costly procedures later on. At home, help them maintain their pearly whites with good oral hygiene habits, and you’ll be able to save more money in the long run.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Little practing tooth brushing to prevent dental emergencies

As a parent, it’s important to realize that you can’t prevent emergencies from happening. However, being prepared and taking precautionary measures can drastically reduce your child’s risk of experiencing one. Below, we’ve compiled a list of healthy habits that can help you avoid a stressful trip to your emergency dentist nearby. Should your child find themselves in an urgent situation anyway, don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

child visiting dentist in Chesterfield

It’s incredibly important to bring your child in for a checkup and cleaning every six months. These routine appointments allow us to spot and treat any dental problems as early as possible. We can even prevent them from happening in the first place! That way, your child can avoid painful complications down the line.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

father and son cleaning teeth in bathroom

A solid oral hygiene routine is essential for a healthy smile. You must encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Until they’re able to clean their own pearly whites safely and effectively, it’s best that you help them out. Make sure you observe them during their morning and nighttime routine to ensure they’re cleaning their teeth properly.

Be Careful with Your Diet

young child eating an apple

Cavities are the most common dental problems in toddlers and children, mainly because they’re more likely to overindulge in starchy, sugary, and acidic foods. For that reason, you should help your child maintain a well-balanced diet that consists of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. Not only will they strengthen tooth enamel and encourage saliva production, but they can reduce your child’s risk of gum disease.

Wear a Mouthguard

young child wearing a mouthguard

Did you know that bruxism and sports-related injuries are the most common causes of dental emergencies in children? If your child grinds or clenches their teeth at night, their enamel can quickly wear down and lead to chronic jaw pain. Fortunately, a custom-made nightguard can protect their smile from damage. You can also ask our team about a personalized sports mouthguard to keep their teeth safe from any impact should they sustain a blow to the face.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

closeup of child chewing on wrapper

When your child can’t open a bag, container, or package, they may be tempted to use their teeth. However, that can easily cost them a trip to their emergency dentist in Chesterfield. To keep their smile safe, you should lend them a helping hand or give them the right tool for the job.

Children’s Emergency Dentistry FAQs

How do I know if my child is experiencing a dental emergency?

It’s true that some dental emergencies are not always so clear cut. If your child begins to mention discomfort in their mouth or with a specific tooth, it’s best to give our office a call so you can tell us more about their current symptoms. You should also call if you see anything strange or abnormal inside their mouth, such as inflamed gums or chipped teeth. We’ll be able to provide guidance on how to manage your child’s dental emergency before you arrive.

Do baby teeth ever need root canal therapy?

There are some cases where baby teeth can develop decay and require a procedure known as pulp therapy. This treatment is needed when decay is left untreated for too long, allowing a dental infection to develop inside the center of the tooth. Pulp therapy is similar to a root canal, however it’s largely intended for baby teeth rather than permanent teeth. Like root canal therapy, pulp therapy works to save natural teeth, which is always preferred over an extraction.

Should I ever take my child to the emergency room?

You’re more than likely to save precious time as well as money when you visit our office to treat a dental emergency over a hospital emergency room or urgent care facility. With that said, there are some instances where it’s best to visit the hospital first, then our office for follow-up care. For example, if your child’s jaw is broken or dislocated, their mouth is bleeding and does not stop after about 10 minutes, or they experience swelling in the mouth, jaw, face, or neck that makes swallowing or breathing difficult, go to the emergency room.

Will my child’s tooth pain get better on its own?

In most cases, dental pain, infections, and other oral emergencies will not improve on their own. Unlike colds or minor cuts, the body is incapable of healing dental problems. Instead, dentists need to provide some sort of dedicated treatment, such as restoration of a tooth or even removal if necessary to stop dental pain or progression of an infection. Without treatment, the problem is likely to become worse and only need more extensive care later.

What painkillers are safe for my child’s tooth pain?

We recommend ibuprofen to temporarily alleviate dental discomfort. You can also provide them acetaminophen. We do not recommend aspirin as it can cause a burning sensation if it comes into contact with oral tissue.

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Toothache

Is my child’s toothache an emergency? A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies in children. While most are caused by cavities, sometimes it can indicate a serious underlying problem. It’s incredibly important to address tooth pain without delay. Otherwise, waiting it out may aggravate the condition.

How you should handle your child’s toothache: Ask your child to rinse their mouth thoroughly and floss as well to dislodge any particles. If this doesn’t relieve the discomfort, please contact us right away. (Also, we strongly recommend NOT placing aspirin directly on your soft tissue, as this could cause damage.)

How we treat toothaches in children: First, we’ll need to perform an oral examination to identify the root cause of the toothache. The most common solution for addressing a cavity includes dental fillings and root canal therapy. Treating baby teeth is crucial for the health of future permanent teeth, which is why we’ll do everything we can to keep them strong.

Learn More About Fillings

Cracked Tooth

Is my child’s cracked tooth an emergency? A cracked tooth is a serious emergency. It suggests the occurrence of damage on the inside and outside of the tooth. While you can wait a few days if needed, you should still attempt to take your child to an emergency dentist as soon as you can.

How you should handle your child’s cracked tooth: Locate the tooth and put it in water or milk. Make sure to bring it to the office with you. There’s a good chance that the tooth may be reinserted or saved. Time is of the essence in this situation, which is why you should try and make it to the office within an hour.

How we treat children’s cracked teeth: In many cases, we’ll treat a cracked tooth with a custom-made dental crown. If the damage is minor enough, we may be able to use composite resin, which is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. For children with severe damage, an extraction may be necessary.

Learn More About Dental Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Chipped Tooth

Is my child’s chipped tooth an emergency? Unless it’s a severe case, chipped or broken teeth aren’t usually painful. Of course, it’s still important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Failing to do so can increase your child’s risk of serious complications down the line.

 

How you should handle your child’s chipped tooth: Encourage your child to rinse their mouth out to wash away any lingering pieces of the tooth. If they’re in pain, you can apply a cold compress to their lip or cheek and give them over-the-counter pain medication. Any sharp edges can be covered with dental wax from the store.

How we treat children’s chipped teeth: The most common solution for children is dental bonding. However, teenagers may prefer a veneer if they’ve chipped a highly visible tooth.

Learn More About Dental Bonding

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Is a knocked-out permanent tooth an emergency? Yes! Acting quickly and correctly will lead to a higher chance of saving your child’s tooth. You should call our office immediately after your child has knocked out a permanent tooth. 

How you should handle a knocked-out permanent tooth: Locate the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water only (DO NOT SCRUB IT). DO NOT hold the tooth by its roots. If possible, replace the tooth in its socket and hold it with clean gauze or cloth (this is the best option). You can also store the tooth in a clean container with milk or in a clean container of water or saline water.

How we treat knocked-out permanent teeth: If the tooth is reimplanted and stabilized within 30 minutes the survival rate of the tooth is 90 percent. At 30-60 minutes, the survival rate is 75 percent. Otherwise, we may need to replace it with a dental bridge. Dental implants are only an option for children whose jaws have stopped growing, which is typically 16 years old for girls and 18 years old for boys.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Is a knocked-out baby tooth an emergency? Even though a knocked-out baby tooth may not seem like a big deal because they were going to eventually lose it anyways, it’s still important to schedule an appointment. Losing a baby tooth too early could result in oral health problems down the road if the issue isn’t addressed.

How you should handle a knocked-out baby tooth: Avoid putting the baby tooth back in the socket as it could damage the permanent tooth underneath. Not only that, but a young child can accidentally swallow or choke on it. Since it doesn’t need to be kept moist, you can simply bring the baby tooth with you to your child’s appointment.

How we treat knocked-out baby teeth: In some cases, nothing needs to be done when a baby tooth is knocked out. However, we may need to place a space maintainer if the tooth came out too early. It’ll prevent the neighboring teeth from tilting into the gap and trapping the permanent tooth underneath.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek an emergency ? Oral injuries can be quite alarming, particularly because they tend to bleed a lot. If your child has a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek, your pediatric emergency dentist in Chesterfield may be able to help.

How you should handle your child’s soft tissue injury: Gently clean the wound with water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You can also have your child use a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation.

How we treat soft tissue injuries in children: When your child comes into our office, we’ll make sure the soft oral tissues are the only part that was injured. Our team will stitch up the wound if needed. It’s worth noting that you should take your child to the nearest emergency room if the bleeding is uncontrollable.

Dental Concussion

Is my child’s dental concussion an emergency? If your child’s tooth has been shoved out of place but isn’t quite knocked out yet, it’s considered a dental concussion. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to visit your kid’s emergency dentist right away. Call our office and explain your little one’s symptoms so we can schedule their appointment accordingly.

How you should handle your child’s dental concussion: Encourage your child to gently rinse their mouth to wash away any lingering bacteria. If needed, you can use a cold compress and give them over-the-counter pain medication to ease their discomfort. Tell your little one to avoid messing with their tooth while waiting for their appointment.

How we treat dental concussions in children: Our team will need to perform a thorough oral examination and take X-rays to determine the best solution to get your child’s smile back on the right track. In some cases, slightly concussed teeth will straighten themselves out over time. There are some instances where a tooth will need a splint, root canal therapy, orthodontics, or even extraction.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Sensitive Teeth

Are my child’s sensitive teeth an emergency? Cavities are the most common cause of sensitive teeth in children. If you allow it to go untreated, it can lead to painful complications down the line. Sensitivity may indicate damage, worn fillings, chronic teeth grinding, or an infection.  

How you should handle your child’ sensitive teeth: Give our office a call so we can provide you with instructions to help your child. Typically, we recommend using desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. Encourage your child to drink warm water and tell them to avoid eating sweet or spicy foods.

How we treat sensitive teeth in children: Our team will need to assess the situation to determine the best treatment method. Some children may need fluoride treatment or dental sealants, while others may need specific treatments to address the underlying problem.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Learn More About Fillings

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Lost Filling/Crown

Is my child’s lost filling or crown an emergency? Dental restorations like fillings and crowns are certainly durable, but they’re not meant to last forever. If your child’s restoration falls out, they should seek treatment right away to protect the exposed tooth from infection and damage.

How you should handle your child’s lost filling or crown: Locate the restoration and bring it with you to your kid’s appointment. Ask your child to avoid eating sweet, spicy, and acidic foods. If needed, they can take over-the-counter pain medication and use a cold compress to alleviate their pain.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns in children: If the restoration is still intact, we may be able to recement it into place. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to replace it altogether.

Learn More About Fillings

Learn More About Crowns

Something Stuck between Teeth

Is having something stuck between my child’s teeth an emergency? Not necessarily! However, if you can’t remove the debris on your own, you should give us a call. We’ll either provide expert advice or ask you to bring your child to our office.

How you should handle something stuck between your child’s teeth: Use dental floss to remove the debris from between their teeth and ask your child to rinse their mouth out with warm water. Do not use a sharp object (like a toothpick) as it could cause serious damage. Call our office right away if you can’t remove the item yourself.