Emergency Dental Care: How to Handle Your Child’s Dental Crisis

Dental emergencies happen—often when you least expect them. Whether it’s a fall on the playground, a toothache in the middle of the night, or a knocked-out tooth during a soccer game, knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference.

At Safari Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments to help families in San Antonio, El Dorado, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding areas get the urgent care they need—fast. In this guide, we’ll help you recognize what counts as a dental emergency and share steps to take before you reach our office.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency for Kids?

A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate care to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common pediatric dental emergencies include:

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
Chipped or fractured tooth
Severe toothache or swelling
Dental abscess or infection
Broken or lost fillings or crowns
Orthodontic emergencies (e.g., broken braces wires)

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call us at (210) 590-8858. Our friendly team will help you decide on the next steps and get your child seen quickly.

Immediate Actions to Take in a Dental Emergency

1. Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Do not touch the root—hold the tooth by the crown.
Rinse gently with water, but do not scrub.
Try to place the tooth back into the socket, or store it in milk or saliva.
Call us immediately and head to the office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Baby teeth should not be replanted. Still, call us to evaluate the area.

2. Chipped, Fractured, or Broken Tooth

Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If possible, save any tooth fragments.
Contact our team for prompt repair and relief.

Explore our restorative dental services for long-term solutions like dental crowns or fillings.

3. Severe Toothache or Swelling

Rinse with warm salt water and floss to ensure no food is stuck.
Apply a cold compress if swelling is present.
Do not apply aspirin directly to the gums.
Toothaches often indicate infection—call us for an urgent visit.

We treat all types of pediatric dental infections and emergencies.

4. Orthodontic Emergency

For a poking wire, use orthodontic wax or a cotton ball to cover the sharp end.
A loose bracket can stay in place until your child is seen—unless it causes pain.
Avoid cutting wires unless advised.

Check out our tips for orthodontic emergencies.

Why Choose Safari Children’s Dentistry for Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

We understand that emergencies are stressful. That’s why we’re committed to:

Same-day emergency appointments
Bilingual staff to support our Spanish-speaking families
Kid-friendly, comforting care even during high-stress situations
Multiple sedation options for anxious or very young patients
Board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists with advanced emergency training

We serve families across San Antonio 78217, including Oak Grove, Hills of Park North, Wetmore, and Woodstone, and we're proud to be known for gentle, compassionate care when families need it most.

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait.
Call Safari Children’s Dentistry & Braces at 210-590-8858 or schedule a same-day appointment online.

We’re here to provide urgent relief, compassionate care, and long-term solutions—all in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a toothache always a dental emergency?
Not always—but if it’s causing pain, swelling, or keeping your child up at night, it’s best to get it checked immediately.

Can a baby tooth be saved if it’s knocked out?
No. Baby teeth are not reinserted, but we’ll still need to evaluate the area and may recommend a space maintainer.

Do you treat dental trauma caused by sports?
Yes. We recommend custom mouthguards for kids who are active in sports to help prevent future injuries.

Do you offer sedation for emergency visits?
Yes, we provide multiple sedation dentistry options based on your child’s needs and age.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be frightening—for both kids and parents. But with the right team by your side, the experience doesn’t have to be. At Safari Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we’re prepared to act quickly, compassionately, and skillfully to restore your child’s smile and comfort.

No matter the emergency, we’re here to help—right when you need us.