Dental Emergencies

Great Neck Dental Emergencies

Also Serving the Greater Manhasset Area

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. They can be painful for children and stressful for the parents. Early treatment can make a big difference, both in giving your child relief, and protecting them against long-term damage.

Dr. Robert N. Goldsmith has been providing pediatric dental care for over 20 years and has an in-depth familiarity with how to handle these emergencies. Dr. Goldsmith and his team bring an approach of professionalism that can reassure parents and personal compassion that can soothe an anxious and hurting child.

Call our Great Neck office today at (516) 961-4294.

Common Dental Emergencies

No matter what the circumstances of your child’s emergency, reach out to our office for help. Some of the frequent issues we deal with are these:

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can happen when your child experiences a sudden impact, such as a fall, a playground accident, or a sports injury without proper mouth protection. This situation can be alarming for both the child and the parents, but quick action can make a significant difference—especially if the tooth is a permanent one.

The risks of a knocked-out tooth include potential damage to surrounding teeth, the gum tissue, and, for permanent teeth, the chance of losing the tooth entirely. If left untreated, an avulsed (knocked-out) permanent tooth may lead to long-term complications, such as alignment issues or the need for replacements like implants later in life.

To respond effectively, first locate the tooth and handle it by the crown only, avoiding the root to prevent further damage. If dirty, rinse it gently with clean water—do not scrub. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have your child gently bite down on gauze to keep it in place until you get to our office. If reinsertion isn’t feasible, store the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation kit to keep it moist.

Immediate professional care greatly increases the chances of saving the tooth and preventing further complications.

Loose or Dislodged Tooth

A loose or dislodged tooth in children can occur due to physical trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or accidental blow to the mouth. While loose teeth are common during the natural shedding of baby teeth, a sudden or excessive looseness, particularly in permanent teeth, can signal a dental emergency.

The risks associated with this include damage to the surrounding tissues, possible nerve injury, and, for permanent teeth, the risk of losing the tooth altogether. If left untreated, a dislodged or severely loose tooth can also affect alignment and lead to long-term complications, such as bite issues or the need for corrective treatments like orthodontics.

If your child experiences this emergency, begin by having them avoid touching or wiggling the loose tooth. If the tooth is dislodged but still attached, gently stabilize it by having your child bite down on clean gauze or a soft cloth. Apply a cold compress to help with swelling and pain.

Do not attempt to forcefully reposition the tooth, as this might cause more damage. Instead, contact us immediately for evaluation and treatment. We may be able to save the tooth and we’ll also check for underlying issues.

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Chipped or Broken Tooth

Chipped or broken teeth are common in children, often resulting from accidental falls, sports injuries, or even biting down on something hard like ice or candy. These injuries can range from minor chips to significant fractures that expose the tooth's inner layers, causing pain and sensitivity.

The risks of a chipped or broken tooth depend on the extent of the damage. Minor chips may only affect appearance, but deeper fractures can lead to nerve exposure, increasing the risk of infection or abscesses. If left untreated, a broken tooth may weaken further, potentially leading to long-term complications or even tooth loss. Additionally, the sharp edges of the damaged tooth can irritate or injure the child’s tongue or cheeks.

If your child chips or breaks a tooth, first gently rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there's swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek or lip to reduce it. If you have a broken piece of the tooth, store it in milk or a clean container and bring it with you to our office.

Prompt dental care is essential—early intervention can often repair the tooth with bonding or other treatments, preserving its function and appearance.

Smiles All Around!

See Why Parents & Kids Love Us

“Dr. Goldsmith and his staff are truly amazing! He is kind, extremely patient and knows how to make children feel comfortable. We feel so lucky to have found such an amazing dentist for our kids.” Seida S.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache in a child can appear suddenly and is often a sign of an underlying dental issue, such as deep cavities, dental abscesses, or tooth trauma.

The risks associated with a severe toothache go beyond discomfort. Left untreated, the pain can intensify, affecting your child’s ability to eat, speak, or sleep. More importantly, if the cause is an infection or abscess, it could spread to surrounding tissues, leading to serious health complications. Early intervention is key to preventing worsening conditions and protecting your child’s dental health.

If your child complains of a bad toothache, first rinse their mouth with warm salt water to reduce irritation and dislodge any trapped debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers formulated for children can be administered to ease discomfort, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums, as this can cause irritation. A cold compress on the cheek may also help with swelling.

Most importantly, schedule an appointment with our office immediately. We can go to work at diagnosing the source of the pain and treating it before it leads to larger, more complex problems.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms at the base of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It’s often caused by untreated cavities, trauma to the tooth, or gum disease. When bacteria reach the tooth’s pulp (the inner layer), they create a pocket of pus, leading to pain and swelling. Dental abscesses can develop quickly and become very painful, often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

The risks of a dental abscess go beyond oral discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the face, jaw, or even the bloodstream, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent these complications and protect your child’s overall health.

Parents should watch for signs like persistent throbbing pain, swelling in the gums or face, and trouble opening the mouth. If you notice these symptoms, do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Keep your child comfortable by avoiding hot or hard foods and applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Seek immediate dental care to drain the abscess and eliminate the infection. We can take steps to relieve pain and protect the surrounding teeth.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

Objects getting stuck between teeth is a frequent occurrence in children, often caused by eating sticky foods like caramel, chewing on hard items such as pencils, or experimenting with small objects like beads. While it may seem minor at first glance, leaving the item lodged can lead to discomfort, gum irritation, or even infection.

The risks associated with this dental emergency include injury to the gums, teeth, or even the jaw if improper methods are used to remove the object. If the item remains stuck for an extended period, bacteria may accumulate around the area, increasing the chances of infection or contributing to bad breath and gum inflammation.

If your child complains about something stuck between their teeth, reassure them and start by having them rinse their mouth with warm water to loosen debris. Use dental floss gently to remove the object, ensuring you don’t force it, which could damage the gums further. Avoid using sharp tools like toothpicks, as they can cause injury.

If you’re unable to safely dislodge the item or your child reports persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding, call our office right away. Quick intervention gives us the best chance to prevent complications and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and comfortable.

Professional Emergency Dental Care You Can Trust

Dr. Goldsmith and the team in our Great Neck office pride themselves on availability. We offer weekend appointments, and we serve both English and Spanish-speaking patients. Furthermore, we offer payment plans, so you can better manage what is likely an unexpected expense.

Call Pediatric Dentistry Community Drive at (516) 961-4294 today.

Why Families Trust Us

Gentle Care, Happy Smiles, Bright Futures

Compassionate Care Designed for Kids
With expert training and a gentle approach, we provide personalized care that makes every visit enjoyable for both children and their families.
Prevention Through Education
By focusing on education and prevention, we help children develop strong oral health habits that last a lifetime.
Sedation Dentistry Available
We offer safe, in-office sedation with a board-certified anesthesiologist - perfect for kids needing extra care or extensive treatment.
Modern Care, Made Easy

From our state-of-the-art technology to our easy-to-use online scheduling and payment system, we make dental care simple and stress-free.
Fostering Positive First Experiences
Our caring team specializes in creating a welcoming environment that builds trust and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Ready to Brighten Your Child’s Smile?

Get in touch with us today!

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