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Emergency Dentistry
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What to Do When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies don't wait for a convenient time. A knocked-out tooth at a soccer game, a broken tooth from a fall, a sudden toothache in the middle of the night — when something goes wrong with your child's mouth, you need a team you can count on, fast.

At The CrocDoc in El Paso, TX, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful for both children and parents. Our team is here to provide prompt, calm, and experienced care when your child needs it most. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately — we'll guide you through what to do right now and get your child seen as quickly as possible.

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Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies We Treat

Every dental emergency is different, and knowing how to respond in the moment can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here's what to do for the most common situations — and how we can help.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies there is. If handled correctly and quickly, the tooth may be able to be saved and re-implanted.

Here's what to do immediately:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown — the white part — never by the root
  • If dirty, gently rinse with clean water. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap it in tissue
  • If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and have your child hold it there gently by biting down on a clean cloth
  • If reimplanting isn't possible, store the tooth in a small container of cold milk or your child's saliva to keep it moist
  • Call us immediately and get to our office as fast as possible — time is critical
Note: These instructions apply to permanent teeth only. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be reimplanted. Call us and we'll advise you on next steps.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A fall, a collision, or biting down on something hard can chip or fracture a tooth. Even if your child isn't in significant pain, a broken tooth needs to be evaluated promptly — sharp edges can cut soft tissue and an exposed inner layer is vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

Here's what to do:

  • Rinse your child's mouth gently with warm water
  • Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce any swelling
  • If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you to the appointment
  • Call us to schedule an urgent evaluation

Toothache

A toothache in a child is never something to wait out. Persistent tooth pain is usually a sign of decay, infection, or another issue that needs professional attention sooner rather than later.

Here's what to do:

  • Rinse your child's mouth thoroughly with warm water
  • Gently floss around the tooth to make sure there's no food or debris lodged between teeth causing the discomfort
  • Do not place aspirin or any painkiller directly on the tooth or gum tissue — this can cause irritation or burns
  • Children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen given by mouth can help manage pain temporarily
  • Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible

Broken Braces and Wires

A broken bracket or a poking wire can cause significant discomfort and irritation to your child's cheeks, lips, and gums. While not always an urgent emergency, it does need to be addressed promptly to avoid injury and disruption to treatment.

Here's what to do:

  • If a wire is poking, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it into a more comfortable position
  • Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax, a small piece of gauze, or a cotton ball to protect the soft tissue
  • Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself
  • Call us so we can assess the situation and advise whether an immediate visit is needed

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Soft tissue injuries to the mouth are common in children and can bleed significantly, which is understandably alarming. Most minor cuts heal on their own, but deeper lacerations may require professional attention.

Here's what to do:

  • Apply gentle but firm pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling
  • If the bleeding does not slow or stop within 15 minutes of steady pressure, or if the cut is deep, seek care immediately
  • Call us or head to an emergency room if the injury is severe

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Some bleeding after a baby tooth falls out is completely normal. However, if bleeding persists or seems excessive, a few simple steps will usually resolve it.

Here's what to do:

  • Fold a clean piece of gauze or a clean cloth into a firm pad
  • Place it over the socket and have your child bite down firmly for 15 to 20 minutes without peeking
  • Make sure your child is sitting upright and calm — excitement and activity can prolong bleeding
  • Avoid rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the clot
  • If bleeding continues beyond 30 minutes despite firm pressure, call us

Cold Sores or Canker Sores

Cold sores and canker sores are not dental emergencies in the traditional sense, but they can be painful and distressing for children — and recurring sores sometimes signal an underlying concern worth addressing.
  • Cold sores appear on or around the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They typically resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Over-the-counter topical treatments can help manage discomfort. Call us if sores are severe, spreading, or your child has a fever.
  • Canker sores appear inside the mouth — on the cheeks, tongue, or gums — and are not contagious. They usually heal within one to two weeks. Rinsing with warm salt water and avoiding acidic or spicy foods can help. Call us if sores are unusually large, extremely painful, or don't resolve within two weeks.

When Your Child Needs Us, We're Here

A dental emergency is one of the most stressful things a parent can face — but you don't have to face it alone. The CrocDoc team is here to provide fast, expert, and compassionate care for your child when it matters most. We'll walk you through every step, keep your child calm, and make sure they get exactly the treatment they need.

Don't wait and hope a dental problem resolves on its own. Whether your child is in pain, has suffered an injury, or something just doesn't look or feel right — call us. Getting seen quickly almost always leads to a better outcome, a simpler treatment, and a faster recovery.

If you're ever unsure whether something counts as an emergency, call us anyway. We'd always rather talk you through it than have your child go without care they need.

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Serving East El Paso, Socorro, Ysleta, Horizon City, Clint, San Elizario
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