A pediatric dental emergency refers to any urgent oral health condition in children that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, control infection, prevent tissue damage, or save a tooth. Common pediatric dental emergencies include toothache, dental trauma (fractured, luxated, or avulsed teeth), soft tissue injuries, and infections such as abscesses.

Toothaches may result from deep caries or pulpitis and should be managed by cleaning the affected area, using pain relief, and referring promptly to a dentist. Dental trauma is frequent in children due to falls or sports injuries. pediatric dental emergency franklin If a permanent tooth is avulsed, it should be gently rinsed and replanted immediately or stored in milk or saline until professional care is available. Primary teeth, however, should not be replanted due to risk of damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Fractured teeth may require pulp protection or restoration, depending on the depth of the fracture. Soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue should be cleaned and controlled for bleeding, with sutures if necessary. Infections, emergency pediatric dentist franklin tn such as facial swelling from an abscess, demand urgent management with drainage and antibiotics to prevent spread to deeper spaces or systemic involvement.