One sunny Saturday, six-year-old Ava tripped over a jump rope, breaking her front tooth. Her mom, unsure whether to go to the ER or call the dentist, faced a common dilemma. At Seedling Kids Dentistry in San Francisco, we see this often. Dental emergencies with kids can be frightening, but knowing when to seek same-day care and how to stay calm helps both parents and children through the situation.

What Counts as a Pediatric Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem needs urgent care, but some truly do. Here’s what we look for at Seedling Kids Dentistry:

A knocked-out permanent tooth — This is always an emergency. The faster we can see your child, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
A chipped or fractured tooth with pain or exposed nerve — Pain usually means the inner part of the tooth is affected, which should be seen as soon as possible.
Severe toothache with swelling — Swelling, especially in the face, may indicate an infection. This can become serious quickly and needs professional attention.
Dental injury causing uncontrolled bleeding — If bleeding won’t stop, call right away.
A broken jaw — If you suspect a jaw fracture, head to the emergency room immediately.

Other issues, like small chips without pain or a mildly loose baby tooth, can usually wait for a regular appointment. When in doubt, call — we’re always happy to advise you.

How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

One of the scariest injuries parents face is when a child completely knocks out a tooth. Here’s what to do:

Stay calm and reassure your child.
Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
Gently rinse it in water if dirty — do not scrub.
Place it back in the socket if your child can tolerate it, or place it in a cup of milk.
Call us right away at (415) 498-0919 or visit our contact page.

Permanent teeth have the best chance of survival if replaced within 30 minutes. Baby teeth, however, should not be replanted — we’ll evaluate those in the office instead.

What If My Child Chips a Tooth?

It happens fast — a tumble, a hard toy, a bite into something too crunchy — and suddenly there’s a chip. Sometimes it’s dramatic, other times it’s barely noticeable. But as a parent, you’ll likely feel that wave of concern: Is it serious? Does it hurt? What happens next?

The answer depends on the depth and location of the chip. At Seedling Kids Dentistry, we start by understanding what your child is feeling. If there's no pain and the chip is minor, we may just smooth the rough edge and monitor the tooth over time. If there’s sensitivity, a visible crack, or damage near the gumline, we take a closer look.

Every chip tells a story — and every treatment plan we create is designed to restore not just the tooth, but your child’s sense of comfort and confidence. Our gentle restorative materials blend naturally with your child’s smile, and our approach always prioritizes the least invasive path to healing.

You can read more about the techniques we use on our restorative dentistry page.

When Facial Swelling Signals an Emergency

Facial swelling in children is never something to brush off — especially when it comes with pain, warmth, or a fever. Often, swelling signals an abscess: a deep, localized infection near the root of a tooth. These infections can spread quickly if untreated, and the discomfort alone is enough to disrupt your child’s sleep, eating, and overall well-being.

In our experience, swelling often appears suddenly. One day a child may seem fine, the next they wake up with a visibly puffy cheek. Parents usually notice changes in appetite, irritability, or general fussiness. These subtle shifts can be signs that something deeper is going on.

When you call our office, we’ll ask the right questions to determine urgency. If we suspect a spreading infection or systemic involvement, we’ll arrange for a same-day visit. In rare but serious cases involving difficulty breathing or swallowing, we’ll guide you to the ER without delay. Prompt attention, a clear diagnosis, and appropriate treatment — often involving antibiotics and gentle drainage — are the keys to protecting your child’s health and comfort. We’ll also talk about long-term prevention strategies to keep abscesses from recurring.

If your child has swelling around their cheek or jaw — especially with fever or difficulty swallowing — it could signal an abscess. Dental infections can escalate quickly in children. This is one of those moments where trust your gut: if your child looks off, or their swelling worsens rapidly, call us right away. If breathing becomes difficult, head to the ER.

A Moment of Trust

At Seedling Kids Dentistry, we see dental emergencies not just as clinical events, but as deeply emotional ones. A fall or injury can leave a child scared and shaken — and parents just as distressed. Our role is to absorb some of that anxiety, and gently walk your family toward relief.

Dr. Noyan and the team specialize in making children feel safe, even during urgent care. With soft voices, positive reinforcement, and expert technique, we help kids recover not just physically, but emotionally, too. We see the difference it makes — when a child leaves smiling, feeling proud of their courage.

If you ever wonder what counts as an emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out. Even if it turns out to be minor, we’re happy to offer guidance. Visit our emergencies page for more, or give us a call — we’re here when you need us.

FAQ: Dental Emergencies for Kids

Should I go to the ER or the dentist?
If there is jaw fracture, severe head trauma, or difficulty breathing, head to the ER first. For knocked-out or painful teeth, call us — a pediatric dentist can handle most mouth injuries.
When should I call the dentist about a dental injury?
At Seedling Kids Dentistry in San Francisco, we encourage parents to call any time a tooth is knocked out, painful, or broken, or if swelling occurs. We can help you decide if same-day care is needed.
Is a chipped tooth always an emergency?
No. If there’s no pain, it usually can wait a day or two. But if the chip is large, sharp, or sensitive, same-day care is best.
What if my child is afraid of treatment during an emergency?
We specialize in caring for anxious kids. Using calm explanations, positive reinforcement, and sometimes nitrous oxide, we help children feel safe even in stressful moments.
How can I help my child stay calm during a dental emergency?
Use calm words, steady your own breathing, and keep your tone reassuring. Bring a favorite toy or blanket if you come in for treatment — these little comforts can make a big difference.
How soon should we see the dentist after a knocked-out tooth?
Ideally within 30 minutes. Store the tooth in milk, avoid scrubbing it, and call us right away so we can guide you.
Will my child’s tooth always survive a dental injury?
Not always — but quick action improves the odds. Seeing a pediatric dentist within the first hour can make all the difference for a knocked-out permanent tooth.
Are baby teeth treated differently in emergencies?
Yes — we generally do not replant knocked-out baby teeth. We’ll examine the area to protect the developing adult tooth underneath.

Ready When You Need Us

No parent wants to imagine their child in pain — but when the unexpected happens, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Seedling Kids Dentistry, we’re here to offer immediate support, expert care, and genuine compassion. Whether your child has chipped a tooth, knocked one out, or is experiencing pain or swelling, we encourage you to call our office.

You don’t have to make those decisions alone. Reach out to our team at (415) 498-0919 or contact us here. We’re ready to help — and we’ll walk every step with you.

Dental Emergencies in Children: When to Call the Dentist and What to Do First