Emergency Broken Tooth Repair for Kids
 Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—especially with active children. A broken tooth can be painful, frightening, and potentially harmful if left untreated. At Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, we provide immediate, compassionate emergency broken tooth repair for kids in Arlington, WA, helping restore your child’s comfort and protect their long-term oral health.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth in Children
A child’s tooth may break for a variety of reasons, often during daily activities or accidents. Recognizing the cause helps determine the right treatment and prevention moving forward.
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Falls and Accidents - Common during play, biking, or roughhousing.
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Sports Injuries - Contact sports or lack of a mouthguard can result in dental trauma.
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Chewing Hard Objects - Ice, pens, or hard candy can crack or chip teeth.
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Untreated Cavities - Weakened enamel from decay increases the risk of breakage.
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Teeth Grinding - Chronic clenching or grinding can wear down and fracture teeth over time. |
Our dental team is trained to quickly assess damage and provide the best treatment for children’s dental emergencies.
What to Do If Your Child Breaks a Tooth
In the event of a broken tooth, quick action can reduce pain and prevent further damage. Here’s what to do immediately:
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Rinse the Mouth - Use warm water to clean the area gently.
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Save the Tooth Fragment - If possible, bring the broken piece to the dental office.
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Apply a Cold Compress - Helps reduce swelling and pain.
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Control Bleeding - Use gauze to apply gentle pressure if there’s bleeding.
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Call Us Immediately - Contact Arlington Pediatric Dentistry to schedule urgent care. |
We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies to provide fast relief and proper restoration.
Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Children
The right treatment depends on the severity of the break, the location of the tooth, and whether the pulp (nerve) is affected. Common treatments include:
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Dental Bonding - Tooth-colored material used to repair minor chips and cracks.
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Tooth-Colored Fillings - For fractures involving decay or structural damage.
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Dental Crowns - Protects and strengthens larger or deep fractures, especially in molars.
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Pulp Treatment - Needed when the nerve is exposed or infected.
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Tooth Extraction - Used only in severe cases when the tooth can’t be saved. |
We focus on preserving the natural tooth whenever possible and keeping the experience gentle for our young patients.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, some steps can significantly reduce the risk of broken teeth in children:
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Use a Mouthguard - Essential for kids in contact sports or recreational activities.
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Avoid Hard Foods and Objects - Supervise chewing habits and avoid things like ice, popcorn kernels, or pens.
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Address Teeth Grinding - Nightguards can protect against damage from bruxism.
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Maintain Routine Dental Visits - Regular checkups catch early signs of weakness or decay.
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Reinforce Safe Play Habits - Teach kids how to avoid unsafe physical behavior during play. |
Our dental team also offers custom mouthguards and preventative guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
Why Arlington Families Trust Us for Emergency Pediatric Dental Care
At Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that emergencies require urgent, skilled care—and a comforting presence. Families in Arlington turn to us for:
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Experienced Pediatric Care - Specialized in treating dental trauma in children of all ages.
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Fast Emergency Appointments - Same-day availability for urgent dental issues.
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Child-Friendly Atmosphere - We prioritize calm, supportive care to reduce anxiety.
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Advanced Techniques - From digital imaging to gentle sedation, we ensure efficient, accurate care. |
Your child’s comfort and safety are always our top priority, especially when they need help the most.
FAQs
Is a broken baby tooth an emergency?
Yes. Even though baby teeth are temporary, a break can expose nerves, lead to infection, or affect the development of permanent teeth. Prompt evaluation and treatment are important.
Can a chipped tooth be fixed in one visit?
In many cases, yes. Minor chips can often be repaired with bonding or a filling during the same visit. More extensive damage may require multiple appointments.
Should I try to reattach a broken piece of tooth?
No, but you should save the piece and bring it with you. Our dentist will determine if it can be bonded back to the tooth or if another treatment is needed.
How can I tell if the tooth’s nerve is affected?
Signs that the nerve may be affected include severe or lingering pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, or swelling around the gum. A dental evaluation with X-rays will confirm the extent of the injury.
What if my child isn’t in pain after breaking a tooth?
Even without immediate pain, a broken tooth should still be examined. Hidden damage or risk of infection may be present, and early treatment can prevent complications later on.
Can broken teeth in children be prevented?
Yes, many dental injuries can be avoided with proper precautions. Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing hard items, and attend regular dental visits to identify potential issues early. |
