Pediatric Emergency Dental Care in Denver, CO
Dental emergencies in children can happen at any time — a fall on the playground, a sports injury, or sudden severe tooth pain that won’t go away. When your child needs urgent dental care, Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Kojo Danso and our team provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care for kids in Denver, CO,, and we’ll do everything we can to see your child the same day you call.
Request an AppointmentWhat Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that involves significant pain, trauma, or risk of permanent tooth damage. Common pediatric dental emergencies include:
A knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) — this is a true time-sensitive emergency. A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be saved if you act quickly and get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. A severe toothache or dental abscess that causes throbbing pain, swelling, or fever also warrants urgent attention, as it can indicate an infection that needs prompt treatment.
Other emergencies include a chipped or cracked tooth, especially one that is causing pain or has exposed the inner pulp of the tooth. A tooth that has been pushed into the gum (intruded) or pushed sideways (luxated) after a fall or impact also requires immediate care. Soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums that are bleeding heavily or won’t stop are another reason to call us right away.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s situation is a dental emergency, call us at (303) 757-8844 and we’ll help you assess the situation and decide the best course of action.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Knocked-out permanent tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty — do not scrub it. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and have your child hold it in place. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in a container of milk or your child’s saliva. Call our office immediately at (303) 757-8844.
Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling. Save any broken tooth fragments. Call us right away.
Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water and gently floss around the painful tooth to rule out trapped food. Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. Call our office to schedule a same-day appointment.
Dental abscess or swelling: This can indicate a serious infection. Call our office immediately. If we are not available and the swelling is severe or spreading to the face or neck, go to the nearest emergency room.
Soft tissue injury: Clean the area with water and apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad to stop bleeding. A cold compress can help reduce swelling. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, seek emergency care.
When Our Office Is Closed
If a dental emergency occurs outside of our regular office hours, do not wait. For severe infections with significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or trauma with other injuries, go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
For other urgent situations, call our office number at (303) 757-8844 — we provide instructions on how to reach us for after-hours emergencies. Our team will do our best to guide you until you can be seen.
Preparing for Dental Emergencies Before They Happen
The best thing you can do for your child is to be prepared before an emergency occurs. Keep our number — (303) 757-8844 — saved in your phone so you can reach us immediately when you need us. Ask about our membership plan, which includes two emergency exams with X-rays per year. If your child plays contact sports, talk to us about a custom mouthguard to help prevent injuries.
Regular preventive visits also play a role in reducing emergency situations. Children who receive consistent dental cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, and sealants are less likely to experience sudden dental pain from untreated decay.
Contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, at (303) 757-8844 to reach our team for emergency dental care or to schedule a preventive visit for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
For a permanent (adult) tooth: pick it up by the crown, rinse gently without scrubbing the root, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in milk or your child’s saliva to keep it moist. Call us immediately at (303) 757-8844. Time is critical — the best outcomes occur when treatment happens within 30 to 60 minutes. For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert them; call us right away for guidance.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
It depends on the severity. A small chip on a baby tooth with no pain may not require same-day care, but a chip that causes pain, sensitivity, or involves a large portion of the tooth should be seen promptly. When in doubt, call us and we’ll help you determine how urgently your child needs to be seen.
How quickly can I get a same-day appointment for a dental emergency?
We make every effort to see pediatric dental emergencies the same day they are reported. Call our office at (303) 757-8844 as early as possible. Our team will prioritize your child’s case and get you in as soon as we can.
My child has a toothache — is that an emergency?
Significant tooth pain should always be evaluated promptly, especially if it is accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity that doesn’t go away. These symptoms can indicate an infection or abscess that needs treatment. Call our office at (303) 757-8844 to schedule an urgent appointment.
Can I give my child over-the-counter pain medication before the appointment?
Yes — age-appropriate pain relievers like children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort temporarily while you wait for your appointment. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum tissue. Call us for further guidance.
What should I do if the dental emergency happens after office hours?
Call our office number at (303) 757-8844 for after-hours emergency instructions. For severe swelling in the face or neck, difficulty swallowing, or injuries combined with other trauma, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
Does your membership plan cover emergency visits?
Yes. Our membership plan includes two emergency exams with X-rays per year as part of the annual fee. This is one of the key benefits of the plan and helps families avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs when an emergency arises.