Pediatric Dental Emergency Care

Immediate, Gentle Care When Your Child Needs It Most
We Accept Insurance

We accept assignment of benefits, which means we file claims directly with your insurance company and receive payment on your behalf.

No Insurance? No Problem

Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.

Take Advantage of Our Financing

We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.

Small boy complains about toothache to his dentist during dental check-up.

Expert Emergency Care with a Holistic Approach

Dental emergencies can be frightening for both children and parents. At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Wengler provides immediate, compassionate emergency care that combines pediatric expertise with holistic treatment approaches. Our priority is relieving your child’s pain quickly while using biocompatible materials and gentle techniques that support their overall wellness during stressful situations.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist with extensive training in behavior management and sedation options, Dr. Wengler understands how to keep children calm during emergencies while providing the highest quality care. We maintain emergency appointment availability and provide after-hours consultation to ensure your child receives prompt attention when urgent situations arise.

Calm, Comprehensive Emergency Response

Emergency situations require not only clinical expertise but also the ability to manage anxiety and fear in both children and parents. Our holistic approach to emergency care means we consider your child’s overall comfort, emotional state, and long-term dental relationship while addressing the immediate problem. We use this opportunity to prevent future issues and educate families about emergency prevention.

Dr. Wengler’s experience treating children with special needs, autism, and sensory processing differences ensures that even during emergencies, we can adapt our approach to meet each child’s individual needs. Our calm, nurturing environment helps transform potentially traumatic experiences into manageable situations that preserve your child’s positive relationship with dental care.

dentist, doctor examines the oral cavity of a little girl, uses a mouth mirror, baby teeth close-up, the concept of pediatric dentistry, dental treatment.

Types of Dental Emergencies We Treat

Dental Trauma and Injuries

Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsion): Permanent teeth that have been completely knocked out require immediate attention within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of successful re-implantation. Baby teeth are typically not re-implanted to avoid damage to developing permanent teeth.

Displaced or Loose Teeth: Teeth that have been pushed out of position, become loose, or are intruding into the gums need prompt evaluation to prevent damage to developing permanent teeth and surrounding structures.

Fractured or Chipped Teeth: Broken teeth can expose nerve tissue, cause pain, and create sharp edges that may injure soft tissues. We use biocompatible materials to restore function and appearance while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Severe Pain and Infections

Toothache and Severe Pain: Dental pain in children can indicate infection, cavity progression, or trauma. We provide immediate pain relief while addressing the underlying cause using holistic approaches when possible.

Dental Abscesses: Swelling, fever, and severe pain may indicate serious infection requiring immediate treatment. We address infections comprehensively while supporting your child’s immune system and overall health.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, lacerations, or injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums require careful evaluation and treatment to prevent infection and promote proper healing.

Lost Restorations and Appliances

Lost Fillings or Crowns: When restorations come out, the exposed tooth may be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. We provide emergency replacement using biocompatible materials.

Broken Orthodontic Appliances: Damaged braces, retainers, or functional appliances can cause discomfort and interfere with treatment progress. We coordinate with orthodontic specialists when necessary.

What to Do Before You Reach Our Office

For Knocked-Out Permanent Teeth:

  1. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown (white part) only
  2. Rinse gently with water if dirty, but don’t scrub or remove tissue
  3. Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible
  4. If unable to replace, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or saline solution
  5. Contact our office immediately – time is critical for successful treatment

For Severe Pain:

  1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area
  2. Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling
  3. Give age-appropriate pain medication following package directions
  4. Avoid placing aspirin or pain medication directly on the gums
  5. Contact our office for emergency appointment scheduling

For Soft Tissue Injuries:

  1. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding
  2. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
  3. Keep the area clean, but avoid aggressive cleaning
  4. Contact our office if bleeding doesn’t stop or if the injury is severe
Dentist in the clinic examines a smiling boy, close-up. At the doctor, the child opened his mouth to examine his teeth. Concept dental health in adolescents, dental hygiene , tooth decay

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While accidents can happen, many dental emergencies are preventable through proper precautions and regular care:

Sports Safety:

  • Use properly fitted mouthguards during sports and physical activities
  • Choose helmets and protective gear appropriate for each activity
  • Teach children about safe play practices

Home Safety:

  • Childproof homes to prevent falls and injuries
  • Avoid giving young children hard candies, ice, or other items that can damage teeth
  • Supervise young children during meals and play

Regular Preventive Care:

  • Maintain routine checkups to identify and address problems early
  • Follow home care recommendations to prevent decay and infection
  • Address grinding or clenching habits that can weaken teeth
Ready To Transform Your Child's Dental Health?

Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.

From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.

FAQ

What constitutes a true dental emergency?

True dental emergencies include severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping, trauma causing knocked-out or fractured teeth, significant swelling or signs of infection, and uncontrolled bleeding. If you’re unsure whether your child’s situation requires emergency care, call our office – we’re always available to provide guidance and peace of mind.

Do you provide after-hours emergency care?

Yes, Dr. Wengler provides after-hours consultation and emergency care for urgent situations. Call our main office number (210) 352-9028 even outside normal business hours, and you’ll receive instructions on how to reach Dr. Wengler for emergency consultation and treatment coordination.

How quickly should I seek care for dental trauma?

Dental trauma requires immediate attention – ideally within 30-60 minutes for the best outcomes, especially for knocked-out permanent teeth. Even if the injury seems minor, prompt evaluation can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Contact our office immediately after any dental injury.

What pain management options do you offer for emergency situations?

We provide multiple pain management approaches, including topical anesthetics, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide for anxiety control, and, when necessary, sedation options appropriate for your child’s age and situation. Our goal is complete comfort during treatment while using the gentlest effective methods.

Will you use holistic materials during emergency treatment?

Whenever possible, we use biocompatible, holistic materials even during emergency situations. However, our priority is always your child’s immediate health and comfort. We’ll discuss material options when appropriate and can often replace temporary emergency treatments with preferred holistic materials once the urgent situation is resolved.

How do you help children stay calm during emergency visits?

Dr. Wengler’s pediatric training includes specialized techniques for managing anxiety and fear during emergency situations. We use child-friendly language, distraction techniques, and gentle approaches appropriate for each child’s developmental stage. Our experience with special needs children allows us to adapt our methods to any child’s individual comfort requirements.