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A chipped tooth after a playground fall, a sudden toothache that keeps your child up at night, or a knocked-out tooth during a soccer game can all leave you feeling panicked and unsure of what to do next. Dental emergencies in children happen quickly and without warning, and knowing where to turn for prompt, compassionate care can make all the difference in your child’s comfort and long-term oral health. When every minute counts, having a trusted pediatric dental team ready to help gives Tigard families the peace of mind they need during a stressful situation.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we provide emergency dental care for children in Tigard and the surrounding communities. Dr. Tesha Waggoner and our team understand how overwhelming it can be when your child is in pain, which is why we work to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. We also have an on-call dentist available to assist with emergencies after hours, so your family is never left without guidance when an urgent dental situation arises.
Children are naturally active, and that means dental injuries can happen at any time. Falls during play, collisions during youth sports, and even biting down on something unexpectedly hard are all common causes of dental trauma. According to guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, traumatic dental injuries occur most frequently in children and young adults, making prompt and proper treatment essential to protecting your child’s long-term oral health. Recognizing the type of emergency your child is experiencing helps our team provide the most effective treatment right away.
Some of the most frequent dental emergencies we treat include the following:
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, it is important to handle it by the crown rather than the root. You can store the tooth in milk, a saline solution, or a tooth preservation kit while you head to our office for care.
Staying calm is one of the most helpful things you can do for your child during a dental emergency. Children often take emotional cues from their parents, so a steady presence can help reduce their anxiety. Once you have assessed the situation, contact our office right away. Our team can walk you through immediate steps over the phone and help you determine whether your child needs to come in for same-day treatment.
For a toothache, gently rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause tissue damage. If a tooth has been chipped or broken, try to save any fragments and bring them with you to the appointment. For soft tissue injuries with significant bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and head to our office or, if necessary, your nearest emergency room.
Not every dental concern requires an emergency visit, but certain situations do call for prompt attention. You should seek care right away if your child is experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out permanent tooth, severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, or visible swelling around the jaw or face. Our team is here to help you determine the right course of action for your child’s specific situation.
Our approach to emergency pediatric dental care focuses on keeping your child comfortable while addressing the problem effectively. We know that an emergency visit can be stressful for kids, and our office is designed to put young patients at ease. We have two in-office dogs, Meyers and CJ, who greet children and help create a warm, welcoming environment. We also offer helpful tools such as weighted blankets, low lighting, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment.
Depending on the nature of the emergency, treatment may include dental crowns to restore a broken tooth, extractions for a severely infected baby tooth, or bonding to repair a minor chip. For children who are particularly anxious or who need more extensive treatment, we offer sedation dentistry options to help them remain calm and cooperative throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide is often helpful for cooperative children during emergency treatments, and we always discuss your child’s options with you before moving forward.
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps families can take to reduce the risk. Ensuring your child wears a mouthguard during sports and recreational activities is one of the most effective forms of prevention. Keeping up with regular dental checkups also allows our team to identify potential concerns, such as weakened teeth or untreated decay, before they become emergencies. Teaching your child basic safety habits, like not chewing on ice or hard candy and avoiding using their teeth to open packages, can also go a long way.
Dental emergencies don’t wait — and neither does Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD. As Tigard’s trusted emergency pediatric dentist, Dr. T combines her advanced training from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) with a calm, reassuring approach that helps anxious children feel safe during stressful moments. She holds hospital privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia, giving parents confidence that even the most serious situations are in the right hands. Dr. T is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and lives in Portland with her husband Tony, son Bruce, and their two labradoodles, CJ and Meyers.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner earned her doctorate of dental medicine at OHSU and completed her pediatric training there as well. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and she maintains privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases that may require general anesthesia. Our practice is proud to serve families throughout Tigard, and we are committed to providing your child with a calming, positive experience, even during a dental emergency.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to reach out to our team right away. Call our office or contact us online to get the care your child needs as quickly as possible.
