What to Do in a Pediatric Dental Emergency

June 18, 2025

Trusted Emergency Care at Family Camp Dental

Best Affordable Pediatric Dentist in Lubbock, TX

When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency, We’re Here to Help

Dental emergencies are stressful for anyone — but when it’s your child, the fear and urgency are even greater. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury, a sudden toothache, or a chipped tooth from a playground accident, knowing what to do in those critical first moments matters.

At Family Camp Dental in Lubbock, we offer responsive, compassionate pediatric emergency care backed by years of experience in treating children and families. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Lubbock who can provide urgent help, our team is ready to support you and your child through the unexpected.

What Is Considered a Pediatric Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue requires same-day treatment, but some situations should never be delayed. Call your family dentist right away if your child experiences:

  • A knocked-out baby or permanent tooth
  • Tooth pain that interferes with eating or sleeping
  • Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth with sensitivity or bleeding
  • Significant swelling in the gums or face
  • Trauma to the jaw, mouth, or soft tissue
  • Bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes
  • An object stuck between teeth that can't be removed with floss

As a provider of family dentistry in Lubbock, we leave room in our schedule for pediatric emergencies to ensure your child gets seen as soon as possible.

What to Do Before You Reach the Dental Office

Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent):

  • Rinse the tooth gently with water (do not scrub).
  • If possible, place the tooth back into the socket.
  • If not, store it in a container of milk or saline.
  • Call your dentist immediately — time is critical.

Broken or Chipped Tooth:

  • Rinse your child's mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Save any fragments in a clean container.
  • Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache or Swelling:

  • Use floss to gently remove food or debris.
  • Rinse with warm salt water.
  • Apply a cold compress to ease discomfort.
  • Avoid using aspirin or numbing gel on the gums.

Soft Tissue Injury:

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
  • If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes, seek immediate care.

How to Stay Prepared for Dental Emergencies

While no parent can anticipate every injury, taking a few precautions can lower your child’s risk:

  • Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
  • Avoid hard candies, ice, and foods that can cause fractures.
  • Teach your child not to use their teeth to open packaging.
  • Schedule routine cleanings and checkups to catch issues before they worsen.

Families who choose an affordable dentist in Lubbock TX like Family Camp Dental often benefit from proactive care that helps minimize the risk of emergencies — while staying within budget.

When to Head to the Emergency Room

Most dental emergencies should be treated by a dentist. However, take your child to the ER or call 911 if they are experiencing:

  • Severe facial swelling that affects breathing or vision
  • A broken jaw or inability to open/close the mouth
  • Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop after 15 minutes
  • Head trauma or signs of concussion in addition to oral injury

In any other case, your pediatric dental team should be your first call.

What Sets Family Camp Dental Apart

We understand that emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. That’s why we make it easy for Lubbock families to access same-day or next-day appointments when urgent needs arise. Our office is welcoming, child-friendly, and equipped to handle everything from minor injuries to more complex dental trauma.

Parents looking for a pediatric dentist in Lubbock who combines clinical skill with a calm, family-first approach appreciate our team’s ability to keep children comfortable — even in stressful moments.

A Dental Home for Your Whole Family

Choosing a dental home means more than regular checkups — it means having a team you can trust in emergencies too. At Family Camp Dental, we’re proud to offer both routine family dentistry in Lubbock and responsive pediatric emergency care under one roof.

Whether your child is a toddler with a chipped baby tooth or a teen who lost a permanent tooth during sports, our team will provide personalized, compassionate care focused on restoring their comfort, health, and confidence.

Call Now If You Need Us

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Prompt care can prevent further complications and ensure the best outcome possible.

Contact Family Camp Dental in Lubbock, TX today for immediate support or to schedule an emergency pediatric visit. We’re here for your family when you need us most.



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4202 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79412, United States of America

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