What Is a Dental Emergency?
Typically, a dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to save a tooth or relieve pain. Before you call us, try to assess the situation.
- Is your child in severe pain?
- Is there bleeding?
- Is there a broken tooth?
- Is it something you can treat first on your own?
Urgent vs. Non-urgent Dental Emergencies
Some dental problems may not require immediate attention, but they should be addressed as soon as possible. These include:
- A lost filling or crown
- Mild toothaches
- Cracked or chipped teeth without severe pain
On the other hand, urgent dental emergencies need immediate care to relieve pain and save the tooth. These include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothaches or abscesses
- Fractured or broken teeth with severe pain
Common Kids Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-out tooth. If a permanent or baby tooth is knocked out, act fast! Find the tooth, rinse it gently with water (no scrubbing), and place it back in the socket if possible. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the tooth roots. If you can’t place it back in the socket, store it in milk or saline solution.
- Cracked or chipped tooth. If your child has a cracked or chipped tooth, seek dental care promptly. Rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress, and use a pain reliever if your child is in pain.
- Abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that requires immediate dental treatment. Symptoms include severe pain, fever, and swelling. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and provide pain medication if needed.
- Severe toothache. A severe toothache is often a sign of an infection. If your child has a painful toothache that lasts longer than two days, they should see a dentist. If left untreated, an infection can damage the bone around the tooth and lead to further problems.
- Jaw swelling or pain. If your child has swelling or pain in the jaw, it could be a sign of an infection in the tooth. Give your child pain medication and apply a cold compress to the outside of the face. If the pain persists or gets worse, call your dentist.
- Lost filling. If a filling falls out, rinse their mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Brush the area gently and avoid chewing on the affected side. Book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the filling replaced.
- Lost crown. If a crown falls off, book an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible. Ideally, you should see a dentist the day the crown falls off. If you can’t get in on the same day, clean the crown and keep it in a safe place. Do not chew on the affected side, and watch what you eat.

Help Your Child Avoid Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help your child avoid them.
- Wear a mouthguard. Make sure your child wears a mouthguard while playing sports or participating in other physical activities.
- Avoid hard foods. Encourage your child to avoid hard candies, ice, and other foods that can cause tooth fractures.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent tooth decay and other issues that can lead to dental emergencies.
- Never use teeth to open things! Our teeth are not tools- remind your child never to use their teeth to open bottles, packages, or other objects.
Why Choose Youth Dental & Orthodontics?
We know that you want the best care possible for your child. That’s why we offer:
- 24hr emergency line
- Same-day appointments for urgent cases
- Experienced kids dentists and orthodontists
- A kid-friendly, comfortable environment
- We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans
At Youth Dental & Orthodontics, your child’s oral health is our top priority. We strive to provide exceptional care for kids ages 1 to 21, including those with special needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late- call us immediately if your child has a dental emergency.
Kids Emergency Dentist in Denver
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, you can rely on Youth Dental and Orthodontics for prompt and professional care.
We understand that dental emergencies can be scary, especially for your child, so we do everything we can to make them feel comfortable and safe.
If you are searching for an emergency dentist in Denver or an emergency dentist for kids, we can help. We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, and Thornton. Call (303) 886-0699 to book an appointment at any of our locations or complete the online booking form.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the emergency room or see an emergency dentist?
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, you may wonder if you should take them to the emergency room or see an emergency dentist. The answer depends on the severity of the emergency. If your child is in severe pain or has a serious infection, do not call 911. Take them directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Is a cracked filling an emergency?
No, a cracked filling is not usually considered an emergency. If the crack is severe enough, it can cause pain and discomfort. Although it’s not an emergency, it should be fixed as soon as possible.
Is a broken tooth an emergency?
Yes, a broken tooth is considered an emergency. If your child has a broken tooth, it’s important to seek immediate treatment. A broken tooth can cause pain and discomfort and lead to infection if not treated right away.
What should I do if my child has a severe toothache?
If your child is experiencing a severe toothache, seek treatment right away. Several different things, such as decay, infection, or trauma, can cause a toothache. The best way to find out what is causing the toothaches is to see a dentist. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the toothache and provide the necessary treatment.