Pediatric Emergency Dentist – Northampton, MA | Amherst, MA | Greenfield, MA

Professional Dental Care Without the Wait

Dental emergencies can be terrifying, especially when they’re happening to your child. Please don’t hesitate – contact Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry right away if you’re in need of a pediatric emergency dentist in Northampton, Amherst, or Greenfield. Dr. Tremblay, Dr. Biernacki, and Dr. Sheraz will do everything they can to see your child as soon as possible so that much-needed relief can be provided. If an emergency occurs after our offices have closed or on the weekend, our answering machine can direct you to an on-call doctor who will assist. Our team will guide you on how to best manage your child’s condition in the meantime.

Why Choose Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry for Pediatric Emergency Dentistry?

  • Emergency Dental Appointments Available
  • Multiple Certified Pediatric Dentists on Staff
  • Dental Insurance & MassHealth Welcome

How We Treat Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Young girl pointing to her smile while visiting pediatric emergency dentist
  • Give us a call, explain your situation, and we’ll tell you exactly what to do next. We’ll also offer first-aid advice.
  • If necessary, we’ll schedule your child for a same-day appointment so we can take care of their problem and relieve their pain right away.
  • After they arrive, we’ll examine their mouth, take some X-rays, and diagnose the issue. From there, we’ll discuss their treatment options with you.
  • We’ll provide treatment to stop any pain and make whatever repairs are necessary. We may need them to come back for a follow-up depending on the situation.

The Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

There are many situations that qualify as a dental emergency, and our team is ready to handle them all! To get some tips on what you should do if your little one develops a toothache or knocks out a tooth, be sure to read through the helpful list below.

Toothaches

Is my child’s toothache a dental emergency? Yes, your child’s toothache can be a dental emergency. As one of the most common problems dentists see among young patients, they can be painful and distracting, and they can signal a more serious oral health problem. While most are caused by cavities, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek emergency help. If you notice swelling, a bump on the gums, fever, tooth darkening, the tooth is loose, or the pain is keeping your child up at night, don’t wait to call our office.

How you should handle your child’s toothache: You’ll need to help alleviate your child’s pain by providing an over-the-counter pain reliever. This should only be a temporary solution, not a long-term fix. You should not apply aspirin directly on your child’s gums, as this can cause damage and irritation.

How we treat toothaches in children: Treating your child’s toothache will depend on the underlying cause. Generally, the most common solution is a dental filling, especially if the culprit is a cavity. Delivering the necessary care even to baby teeth is essential, as it can determine the health and future of their permanent teeth. However, there are other treatment options should we discover the problem requires more than a filling.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Chipped Tooth

Is my child’s chipped tooth an emergency? A chipped tooth is a non-urgent emergency; however, you do not want to wait too long before getting your child in to see a member of our team. Forgoing any kind of treatment can lead to serious complications.

How you should handle your child’s chipped tooth: While at home, make sure to cover any jagged areas of the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent damage to soft oral tissues, like the cheeks, tongue, or lips. Also, have your child rinse out their mouth to remove any debris left behind by the injury. This is essential so they don’t choke or accidentally swallow any small pieces of the tooth.

How we treat children’s chipped teeth: The most common way to treat a chipped tooth is with some form of dental bonding, as this will help to cover the imperfections and restore your child’s smile to its former beauty.

Cracked Tooth

Is my child’s cracked tooth an emergency? It depends. If your child sustains a major injury, it’s a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If the damage is minor, you can wait a few days before getting them in for an appointment. You and your child may be unaware of the severity of the damage, especially if they experience a facial injury that causes tooth sensitivity. This could mean there is a crack beneath the surface that requires professional help.

How you should handle your child’s cracked tooth: Treating your child’s cracked tooth at home means now allowing them to chew on the injured side of their mouth. If any jagged areas are visible, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover them until they reach our dental office. To help alleviate any pain, you can give them an OTC pain reliever as directed.

How we treat children’s cracked teeth: Our dental team will evaluate the severity of the damage when you arrive with them for their appointment. We’ll take digital images and perform a visual examination to identify the location of the crack and the kind of treatment that’s required. In most situations, we will recommend a dental crown for maximum protection.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Very Sensitive Teeth

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Don’t place the tooth back in the socket. Instead, take a piece of gauze and have your child hold it in place against any areas that are bleeding. Contact Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry right away!


Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Rinse the tooth very carefully under lukewarm water and don’t scrub it. If your child can handle it, have them place the tooth back into its original socket and hold it with their tongue. If this can’t be done, place the tooth in a cup of milk instead and contact us as soon as possible, no matter what time of day it is. Time is of the essence when it comes to reattaching a dislodged tooth.

Lost Filling or Crown

Broken Denture

Loose Permanent Tooth

Gums, Lip or Tongue Injury

Take a clean cloth or dishrag and use it to apply pressure to the injury. A cold compress can reduce any swelling, as well. If bleeding is heavy and does not lessen after a short amount of time, please proceed to your nearest emergency room.

Jaw Pain

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Understanding the Cost of Pediatric Emergency Dentistry

Father and daughter at front desk after a dental emergency in Northampton

The cost of pediatric emergency dentistry in Northampton is entirely dependent on the nature of your child’s problem and which procedures are needed to address it. Sometimes, we can take care of everything with a small filling, or we may need to remove the tooth entirely. Each treatment has its own cost, and we will discuss the various pricing factors when you’re here. Plus, we can discuss how to use your insurance and financing through CareCredit to make things more affordable.

Every Pediatric Dental Emergency is Different

Little boy crying because of mouth pain

The type and severity of your child’s dental injury will likely be different than another child’s. This means that the cost of treatment cannot be properly provided until a member of our team performs a thorough examination.

Whether it’s antibiotics, a dental filling, a dental crown, pulp therapy, or even a tooth extraction they need, the amount you’ll be required to pay is something we will discuss during their appointment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

Two dentists and a young girl giving their thumbs up

Not every dental plan is the same, but many do offer one free dental emergency exam each year. Of course, the price of the initial visit is usually not a cause for concern. Instead, it is the type of restorative treatment your child will need. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans provide 50-80% coverage for various restorative solutions (i.e., dental filling, dental crown, tooth removal, etc.). Our team at Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry will be happy to go over the details of your plan and determine how you get the most out of your benefits.

Caring for Your Child’s Smile Can Save You Money

Man and his son flossing their teeth

Helping your child get the care they need right away can minimize the potential of further damage. However, one of the more effective ways to keep their smile healthy and intact is through prevention. Not all injuries can be avoided, but those that form because of poor oral hygiene can be. By monitoring your child’s oral hygiene routine at home and helping them choose healthier food options, you can keep cavities, gum disease, and infections from forming and negatively affecting their oral health. Also, making sure they continue to see a member of our Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry team every six months for checkups and cleanings can mitigate potential toothaches and other similar dental emergencies.

Pediatric Dental Emergency FAQs

Will a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Many children experience toothaches. Although they are common, they are a sign of an underlying dental problem that must be addressed. A toothache will not go away without treatment. If your child's pain suddenly disappears, it can mean that their tooth has died and will need to be removed. An emergency dentist in Northampton will stop your little one's pain and pinpoint the source of their discomfort to create a personalized plan to rehabilitate their dental health.

Should I Take My Child to the Emergency Room for Dental Emergencies?

Unless your child has experienced a traumatic injury that requires medical attention, it's best to contact an emergency dentist. Although hospitals are equipped to address life-saving situations, they cannot handle dental problems. At most, they can prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics, but because I cannot treat the underlying problem. It is best to always contact an emergency dentist. They offer the expertise you need to treat your little one's emergency situation.

Does My Child Need to See a Dentist for a Small Chip in a Tooth?

Your child should see a dentist for a chipped tooth, even if the damage is minor and they aren't having any pain. Chipped baby teeth should also be evaluated by a dentist. Although the damage may not seem significant, their tooth can be vulnerable to bacteria, sensitivity, infections, and additional damage if it is not treated. Depending on your child's situation, they may repair their tooth with dental bonding, which is a minimally invasive procedure. They will choose a suitable treatment for your child's needs.

Is a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Every baby tooth is essential for your child's oral health and development. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency in Northampton, even if it is a baby tooth. It is best to hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with cool water. Do not use any cleaners, scrub it, or dry it. Gently try to place the tooth back into your child's socket and get to a dentist within the next 30 to 45 minutes. If you cannot get your child's tooth back in place, put it in a dental saline solution or a cup of milk to preserve it while heading to the dentist.

How Should My Child Sleep with Dental Pain?

If your child is experiencing dental pain, it's best to have them sleep with their pillow elevated. This will prevent blood from pooling in their head to avoid throbbing sensations. You can also give them an age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever to keep them comfortable. A cold compress can manage discomfort and swelling.

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