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When your child experiences a dental emergency in Beaverton, every moment counts. A knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or facial injury requires immediate attention from a pediatric dentist who understands the unique needs of children during stressful situations. Quick action can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, making it crucial to know where to turn when dental trauma strikes.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we provide comprehensive emergency dental care for children throughout the Beaverton area. Dr. Tesha Waggoner leads our team in delivering prompt, compassionate treatment when your child needs it most. We have an on-call dentist available to assist with emergencies after regular office hours, so families can get the help they need around the clock.
Children in Beaverton face various dental emergencies that require immediate professional attention. Recognizing these situations helps parents respond appropriately and seek timely care.
A knocked-out permanent tooth represents one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If your child loses a permanent tooth, rinse it gently without touching the root and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline solution, or a tooth preservation kit and get to our office immediately. Quick action within 30 minutes significantly improves the chances of saving the tooth. For baby teeth that have been knocked out, do not attempt to replant them, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Persistent or severe tooth pain in children often indicates an underlying infection or cavity that needs immediate treatment. Dental pain can interfere with eating, sleeping, and your child’s daily activities. Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and check for any lodged food particles. Contact our office right away if the pain persists or worsens. Signs that require emergency care include fever, swelling in the face or gums, difficulty swallowing, or pain that prevents your child from sleeping or eating.
Dental trauma affects approximately 25 percent of all school-aged children, making chipped and broken teeth a common emergency we treat. Save any tooth fragments you can find, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. We can often repair chipped teeth and restore your child’s smile with appropriate treatment. Even minor chips should be evaluated, as damage to the tooth’s structure can lead to sensitivity or infection if left untreated.
Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw may signal an infection that requires urgent care. Infections can spread quickly in children, potentially leading to more serious health complications. Apply a cold compress to the affected area and contact our office immediately for an evaluation. Dental abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
Cuts, tears, or puncture wounds to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue can cause significant bleeding and distress. Rinse the area gently with water and apply pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding. If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes or if the wound is deep, contact our office or seek emergency medical care. Our team can assess whether stitches or other treatment is needed.
Staying calm during a pediatric dental emergency helps you make clear decisions and comforts your child. First, assess the situation and determine the severity of the injury. Contact our office right away to describe what happened and receive guidance on immediate steps to take. We have an on-call phone for after-hours dental emergencies. Call our regular office phone, (503) 292-9274, and press 4 to be directed to the on-call dentist.
For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a soft cloth. Keep any displaced teeth or fragments in milk or saline solution. Avoid giving your child aspirin, as it can increase bleeding. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort while you make your way to our office. If your child is in severe pain, over-the-counter children’s pain medication appropriate for their age and weight can provide temporary relief until you reach our office.
Some situations require you to go directly to the emergency room rather than waiting for dental care. These include injuries involving heavy bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing, loss of consciousness, or signs of a serious head injury. Our team can guide you through this decision when you call our emergency line.
For dental emergencies that occur outside regular office hours, our on-call dentist can assess the situation over the phone and determine whether immediate treatment is needed or if the issue can wait until the next business day with appropriate home care.
We understand that dental emergencies can be frightening for children and parents alike. Our team creates a calming environment where your child feels safe and supported during treatment. We offer sedation options when necessary to ensure your child remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
Dr. Waggoner has completed her pediatric dental training at OHSU and brings extensive experience treating children of all ages. Our office includes helpful tools such as weighted blankets, low lighting, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment. Meyers, our in-office dog, provides additional comfort for children who may feel anxious about their visit. We also work with children who have special needs, adapting our approach to meet each child’s unique requirements.
When your child experiences a dental emergency in Beaverton, Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry provides the immediate, compassionate care they need. We serve families throughout the Portland metro area and have an on-call dentist available to assist with emergencies outside of regular office hours. Whether your child needs treatment for a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or another urgent dental issue, our team is ready to help.
Our team is members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and maintains privileges at Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital. Contact us right away if your child needs emergency dental care.
