Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If you face a dental emergency, give us a call immediately. If you need urgent treatment after hours, you can call our emergency number. We are always here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations. You may want to display this list on your refrigerator or store it near your emergency phone numbers for easy reference.
Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child has bitten their lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.
Object Caught In Teeth
If your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If your child has chipped or broken a piece off of their tooth, have them rinse their mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth
If your child’s tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it’s in place). Place the tooth in a clean container with milk. Call us immediately and/or head to the hospital. If you act quickly it's possible to save the tooth.
Loose Tooth
If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.
Toothache
If your child complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.
Broken Jaw
If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and/or head to the hospital immediately. In many cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Avoiding Injury
You can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don't let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and require seat belts for older children. And if your child plays contact sports, have them wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.
Benefits of Professional Pediatric Emergency Care
When a dental emergency strikes, immediate and expert intervention can mean the difference between saving a tooth and requiring extensive future treatment. At Crystal Lake Pediatric Dental, we provide timely, compassionate, and specialized child dental care. Our emergency services offer peace of mind for families in McHenry and nearby Cary, IL—ensuring your child receives the right care at the right time.
Key benefits of choosing our emergency pediatric dental services:
- Immediate Access to Care: Same-day appointments and after-hours emergency support minimize pain and prevent complications.
- Child-Focused Expertise: Our team of children’s dentists uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques to manage anxiety and ensure cooperation during urgent treatment.
- Tooth-Saving Protocols: From reimplanting avulsed teeth to preserving fractured fragments, we follow evidence-based emergency procedures to maximize positive outcomes.
- Clear, Calm Guidance: We provide step-by-step instructions over the phone so you can stabilize the situation before arriving at our office.
- Preventive Education: We don’t just treat emergencies—we help you prevent them with custom mouthguards, safety counseling, and routine care plans.
- Convenient Location: Easily accessible for families in McHenry, IL, and Cary, IL, with a welcoming, child-friendly environment designed to reduce stress during urgent visits.
For trusted child dental care in McHenry, IL, during an emergency or for preventive support, call Crystal Lake Pediatric Dental at (815) 356-7960. We’re here when your child needs us most.
Pediatric Dentists FAQs
What Services Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
We offer a full range of services designed to protect your child’s oral health, from routine cleanings to specialized treatments for growing smiles. As pediatric dentists, we focus on preventive care, early detection, and gentle techniques to keep your child comfortable. Our approach to children’s dentistry helps parents stay ahead of issues and supports healthy habits that last well into adulthood.
How Often Should My Child Visit a Pediatric Dentist?
We recommend dental checkups every six months to maintain strong oral health and prevent problems before they start. Regular visits allow pediatric dentists to monitor growth, address early concerns, and make professional cleanings a normal part of your child’s routine. Consistent children’s dentistry plays a key role in reducing cavities, managing development, and ensuring long-term confidence in dental care.
What Should I Do If My Child Has a Dental Emergency?
If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact our office immediately so we can guide you through the next steps. Our pediatric dentists provide quick, compassionate support and recommend safe actions you can take at home before coming in. Children’s dentistry often requires fast intervention to ease pain, protect developing teeth, and prevent future complications, which is why prompt care is essential.
How Can I Help My Child Feel Comfortable During Dental Visits?
We encourage open communication, positive reinforcement, and preparing your child for what to expect in simple, reassuring language. Our pediatric dentists use gentle, child-focused techniques and a friendly environment to help reduce fear or anxiety. By combining a warm approach with professional children’s dentistry in Cary IL and McHenry IL, we make each visit a calm and confidence-building experience for both you and your child.