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A dental emergency involving your child is one of the most stressful situations a parent can face, and the first few minutes matter more than most people realize. Whether your child knocked out a tooth at the playground, woke up with severe tooth pain, or took a hit to the face at practice, knowing exactly where to turn and what to do in the meantime can make a real difference in the outcome.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry provides emergency dental care for children in Hillsboro and the surrounding Washington County area. We have an on-call dentist available to assist with urgent situations after hours, so families are never left searching for answers when something unexpected happens. Our pediatric emergency dentistry services are built for exactly these moments, combining prompt, calm care with the clinical preparation to handle a wide range of urgent situations.
Not every dental concern requires same-day attention, but some situations should never wait. The International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines, published through the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, identify traumatic dental injuries as among the most time-sensitive situations in pediatric oral health care. Prompt diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are critical factors in achieving the best possible outcomes.
If your child is experiencing any of the following, contact our office right away rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.
Our dental emergency guide walks through these situations in more detail so you know what to watch for and how to respond.
The actions you take in the first few minutes of a dental emergency can significantly affect what is possible for treatment. Here is what we recommend for the most common scenarios.
For a permanent tooth that has been fully knocked out, pick it up by the crown only and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it. If possible, reinsert the tooth gently into the socket and hold it in place while you call our office. If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline solution, or a tooth preservation kit, and get to us as quickly as you can. For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert the tooth, as this may damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Call us right away so we can assess the situation.
Tooth pain in children should never be dismissed, especially if it is severe, wakes them at night, or is accompanied by swelling. Have your child rinse with warm water and check for any visible food debris around the area. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. Call our office, and we will help determine whether same-day care is needed.
Our entire practice is designed around making dental visits positive, comfortable experiences that children actually look forward to attending.
What sets Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry apart for Hillsboro families is our on-call availability after hours. Dental emergencies do not follow business hours, and you deserve access to a real dentist, not just a voicemail, when something urgent happens with your child. When you reach us, our team will gather information about what happened, assess the urgency, and guide you on next steps right away.
When your child comes in for emergency care, our team focuses first on relieving pain and stabilizing the situation. Depending on the nature of the injury or concern, treatment may include sedation options to keep your child comfortable during an otherwise stressful procedure. We take the time to explain everything to both you and your child before we begin, and we make sure you leave with clear follow-up instructions and a plan for any additional care needed. Our full range of services means we can address most emergency situations in one visit without the need for a referral.
For families facing a serious dental emergency, it matters that your child’s dentist holds hospital privileges at Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital. Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, carries those privileges alongside her credentials as an OHSU-trained, board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, meaning that when an injury requires a higher level of care, we are already connected to the facilities that can provide it. You can learn more about Dr. Waggoner and her training on our website.
When a dental emergency happens, do not wait to see if it gets better on its own. Prompt care protects your child’s teeth and prevents small problems from becoming much larger ones. Save our number, and when you need us, contact our office, and our team will be there.
15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
We’re so excited to share that Dr. Tesha and the Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry team are opening a second location this July! We’re bringing the same warm, kid-friendly care families know and love — now closer to Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more details!
