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Emergency Dentist — Auburn, MA

Professional Care When Your Child Needs It Most

Child covering her mouth If your child faces a dental emergency, give us a call immediately. If they need urgent treatment after hours, you can always call our emergency number. We are always here to assist when your child's dental health is at risk. Our team is ready to deliver high-quality and personable care to get your child back to smiling. Don’t wait to contact our office and make an appointment today!

Why Choose New England Kids Pediatric Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments
  • Dental Insurance Welcome & Flexible Financing Available
  • Calming Dental Sedation Available

 

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Closeup of child's smile being examined

  • Call our office right away. We’ll make an appointment for your child that very same day. Plus, one of our experienced team members will provide you with first-aid instructions to handle the situation until you reach our office.
  • See your Auburn emergency pediatric dentist. When you get to our office, we’ll see your little one right away for an evaluation. Once we understand the situation and have provided pain relief, we’ll explain your treatment options. Using our findings, we’ll create a custom treatment plan to get your child’s oral health back on the right track.
  • Get the care you need. Our team will use state-of-the-art technology to provide various treatments to restore your child’s oral health. If needed, we can administer calming dental sedation as well.

 

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies always strike when you least expect them to. Maybe your child accidentally broke a tooth while playing sports or they woke up in the middle of the night with a toothache that brought them to tears. No matter what situation your little one is in, our team is ready to help. When you give us a call, we’ll schedule an emergency appointment and provide guidance on how you can handle the matter. Below, you’ll find important information on dealing with urgent dental situations.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

child visiting pediatric emergency dentist in Auburn

It is impossible to provide a price for your child’s dental emergency until we have had a chance to examine their condition more closely. During their appointment, we will perform a detailed evaluation to identify the cause of the problem and determine the best treatment method. Rest assured — our team will thoroughly explain the pricing information and your financing options so you do not run into any unpleasant surprises.  

Every Dental Emergency Is Unique

Grimacing little boy with a toothache

Just like your child’s smile is unique, so is their dental emergency! In order to provide a cost estimate, we first have to determine what treatment is needed.

The cost of an emergency exam is usually fairly affordable. The price of treatment, though, can vary widely. Your child might need something relatively simple, such as a filling to repair a small cavity. Or, they may need more extensive care, such as a tooth extraction or other procedures.

Our team will explain all possible treatment options and help you understand their pros, cons, and financial cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Dental insurance information displayed on tablet and smartphone

In many cases, dental insurance will cover the cost of an emergency exam. It is also common for policies to cover at least a portion of the cost of various treatments, including fillings, extractions, crowns, and more. Generally, coverage rates are anywhere from 50% to 80%.

Our team welcomes insurance, and we will do all we can to help you understand how your benefits apply so you can take full advantage of them.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Mother paying for her child’s dental treatment

Outside of insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier to afford care for your child from an emergency dentist in Auburn: financing. Our team works with CareCredit, a third-party company, to offer low-interest payment plans for qualified patients. The application process is fast, and most applicants are readily approved. You may even be able to choose a monthly payment amount that fits your budget.

Let our team know if you have concerns about the cost of paying for your child’s treatment. We will do all we can to answer your questions and find a solution that works for you!

Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile Can Save You Money

Happy child standing outdoors

Being proactive about your child’s oral health is one of the best ways to minimize the cost of their care. Here are a few tips to that end:

  • Carefully monitor your child’s oral hygiene habits until they are capable of thoroughly brushing and flossing on their own (this usually happens around age 7 or 8).
  • If your child complains of a toothache or other dental problems, bring them to visit us right away. Remember, the sooner they receive care, the more likely it is that we can address the situation via relatively simple and inexpensive means!
  • Be observant of your child’s habits and demeanor. Although they may not complain of a toothache, you can still notice if they avoid certain types of food or have damaged tissues in their mouth.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

father and daughter brushing teeth in bathroom

While dental emergencies can’t always be prevented, there are several precautions your child can take to drastically lower their chances of experiencing one. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Ask your child to wear a mouthguard if they regularly play high-impact sports
  • Do not allow your child to use their teeth as tools
  • Make sure they visit their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
  • Teach them proper oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash)

Dental Emergency FAQs

Question cards for dental emergencies

Accidents happen, and often at the worst times. If your child needs an emergency dentist in Auburn, we are here to make a stressful day easier for you and your child. It’s normal to have some concerns. We’ll address them during your child’s appointment. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

How should my child sleep with tooth pain?

A persistent toothache can make it difficult for anyone to get a good night’s rest, especially children. You can help your child doze off by skipping any hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks before going to bed to prevent sensitivity. It’s also best to skip anything hard or chewy for dinner. If possible, have your child chew on the opposite side of their mouth. An age-appropriate pain reliever can keep them comfortable through the night. Have your child sleep with their pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in their head to avoid a throbbing toothache. You can also apply a cold compress to numb the area temporarily. If your child is old enough, they can gargle salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. Don’t forget to have them brush and floss their teeth to keep their mouth clean.

Will a toothache go away without any treatment?

You might believe an occasional toothache is normal, but it’s never a good sign. It’s a symptom of a larger underlying issue, like decay or a fracture. Don’t wait to see if the pain goes away on its own because a minor concern can turn into a big problem quickly. Instead of needing a simple filling, they may require a root canal to save their tooth. Although no one has time for an unplanned dental visit, it’s better to schedule an appointment with the emergency dentist right away.

Do chipped teeth heal?

Your child’s enamel is the hardest substance in their body, but it isn’t indestructible. Falling off a bike or biting something hard can chip the enamel. Unfortunately, enamel can’t regenerate. At most, it can remineralize; however, it’s still considered a dental emergency in Auburn. The defense system for your child’s tooth will be compromised, increasing their risk of sensitivity, decay, infections, and additional breaks. Their pediatric dentist will examine their mouth and discuss their treatment options, which can include dental bonding, a crown, or another method.

Does my child need to see a dentist for minor chips?

Chipped teeth are more than aesthetic issues. They can compromise your child’s long-term dental health. Even if a chip is minor, or they aren’t having any pain, they need to see a dentist. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, each one is necessary for your child’s oral health and development. Not to mention, they act as placeholders for adult teeth. Losing one too soon can have lasting complications for your child’s smile. It’s best to contact our office right away for an appointment to have their tooth assessed.

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Toothache

Is my child’s toothache an emergency? Toothaches are a common dental emergency for children, and most of them are caused by tooth decay. They are painful, distracting, and may be the result of a serious oral health problem. Your child’s toothache may be an emergency if it results in swelling, fever, fatigue, insomnia, a bump in their gums, or darkening or loosening of the tooth.

How you should handle your child’s toothache: Begin by flossing and rinsing the area to remove any debris that may be irritating the tooth. If the pain continues, use a cold compress and administer an over-the-counter children’s pain reliever until we can evaluate the tooth at our office.

How we treat toothaches in children: We will begin by examining the tooth and taking X-rays to determine the source of the problem. Based on our findings, we may recommend a filling or a pulpotomy, and we will do everything we can to keep your child comfortable. It’s still important to treat baby teeth since they play a key role in helping the adult teeth emerge.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings Fillings

Learn More About Pulpotomies

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Cracked Tooth

Is my child’s cracked tooth an emergency?  While cracked teeth are dental emergencies, the urgency of the issue depends on the severity of the damage. While major damage should be treated immediately, minor damage may be able to wait a few days if necessary. Your child may have an invisible crack if they complain about dental sensitivity after sustaining a blow to the face.

How you should handle your child’s cracked tooth: Your child may experience soreness and dental sensitivity after cracking a tooth. To help them stay comfortable until their appointment, have them avoid crunchy foods and hot or cold beverages while taking a child-friendly over-the-counter pain reliever.

How we treat children’s cracked teeth: We may recommend treating a cracked tooth with a dental filling or another treatment, and we will go over all of the treatment options before we proceed so you can make the best decision for your child.

Chipped Tooth

Is my child’s chipped tooth an emergency? While a chipped tooth isn’t usually an urgent emergency, it still must be treated in a timely manner to prevent serious oral health issues.

How you should handle your child’s chipped tooth: Have your child rinse their mouth to wash away any shards of the tooth so they cannot be swallowed or choked on. Try to find any large pieces so you can bring them to our office. Make sure your child does not touch or bite down on the tooth. If there is any discomfort, use child-friendly pain medication, and you can cover any sharp edges of the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts or irritation. If you can, keep your child from chewing or eating until their appointment.

How we treat children’s chipped teeth: We usually treat chipped teeth by filling the damaged area with composite resin, and we may be able to reattach large shards in some cases. Since it’s common for teeth to be chipped when playing sports, our dentist may recommend fitting your child with a customized athletic mouthguard.

Learn More Sports Mouthguards

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Is a knocked-out permanent tooth an emergency? A knocked-out permanent tooth, also called a dislodged tooth, is a serious issue that requires immediate treatment since its chances of being reimplanted begin to fall after thirty minutes. Call our office to schedule an emergency appointment and receive information on keeping the tooth in savable condition.

How you should handle a knocked-out permanent tooth: Only handle the tooth by the crown, as touching the roots can injure the vulnerable tissues inside. You can rinse a dirty dislodged tooth by swishing it in water, but don’t scrub it or use any cleaning products like soap. It’s best to place it back in its socket for transport, but you can also carry it in a clean container with milk or saliva.

How we treat knocked-out permanent teeth: The team at New England Kids will do everything we can to save your child’s tooth. If it is in good condition when you get to our office, we may be able to reseat it in its socket and help it reintegrate with the surrounding gum and bone tissues. However, we may need to discuss an appropriate replacement if the tooth cannot be saved.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Is a knocked-out baby tooth an emergency? While it’s best for baby teeth to fall out on their own, children sometimes knock them out accidentally. If this happens, we’ll need to see your child to make sure their other teeth are safe and if any further action needs to be taken.

How you should handle a knocked-out baby tooth: Have your child rinse their mouth and apply pressure through a tissue or gauze. If your kid reports any pain, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the side of their cheek for ten minutes at a time after the bleeding has stopped. It’s best to instruct them not to eat anything hard, crunchy, sticky, or acidic. You can also give your child over-the-counter pain relievers.

How we treat knocked-out baby teeth: We can determine an appropriate course of treatment after we evaluate your child’s mouth. In some cases, no action may be necessary. In others, we may need to make some slight repairs to the other teeth or place an appliance to make sure the rest of the smile doesn’t drift out of alignment due to the missing tooth.

Bitten Tongue, Lip, Cheek

Is a bitten tongue, lip, or cheek an emergency? Soft tissue injuries can be quite alarming since they can hurt and bleed a lot. While cuts to the tongue, lip, or cheek can usually be treated at home, head to the emergency room if you cannot control the bleeding after ten minutes.

How you should handle your child’s soft tissue injury: Instruct your child to rinse their mouth with water several times before applying pressure to the wound with gauze or a clean wet washcloth. Once the bleeding has ceased, you can use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce discomfort and swelling.

How we treat soft tissue injuries in children: When treating wounds in your child’s mouth, we will check for damage to the teeth and may stitch the wounds shut. If the problem was caused by an athletic injury, it may be a great idea to have your child fitted for a customized mouthguard for protection.

Learn More About Customized Mouthguards

Dental Concussion

Is my child’s dental concussion an emergency? If your child’s tooth is shoved out of place but hasn’t been knocked out, it’s considered a dental concussion. You should give us a call right away to schedule an emergency appointment, especially if your child is in significant pain or their tooth is darkening.

How you should handle your child’s dental concussion: Ask your child to carefully rinse their mouth with warm water. They can take over-the-counter pain medication and use a cold compress to ease any discomfort. In the meantime, they need to avoid contact with the tooth.

How we treat dental concussions in children: First, we’ll thoroughly check the tooth and take X-rays to determine the best course of action. In some cases, the teeth will straighten themselves out over time. Other cases will need a splint. Patients with more severe cases might need root canal therapy, orthodontics, or even extraction.

Learn More About Orthodontics

Sensitive Teeth

Are my child’s sensitive teeth an emergency? Most cases of sensitive teeth in children are caused by cavities. Although it isn’t always an issue that requires immediate care, it still indicates that there’s a problem brewing. Your child’s tooth could be in danger, which is why you should give us a call right away.

How you should handle your child’ sensitive teeth: When you give us a call, we’ll provide you with first aid instructions to help you manage the situation in the meantime. You should encourage your child to drink lukewarm water and avoid eating sweet, spicy, and acidic foods. Using desensitizing toothpaste and rinsing with mouthwash can also help.

How we treat sensitive teeth in children: We’ll need to identify the underlying cause before we can recommend a treatment method. Depending on the situation, your child may need fluoride treatment or dental sealants.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Learn More About Fillings

Lost Filling/Crown

Is my child’s lost filling or crown an emergency? Losing a filling or crown can be painful because it exposes the sensitive inner portion of your tooth. If your child’s restoration falls out, they’ll need treatment right away to protect the tooth from further damage and infection.

How you should handle your child’s lost filling or crown: Schedule a same-day appointment and tell your child to avoid chewing on that side of the mouth to prevent further decay or breakage. Although we may be able to recement the restoration into place, it will likely need to be replaced entirely.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns in children: In many cases, a replacement will be the best solution. If you see us right away, your child likely won’t need treatment for other issues (like an infection).

Learn More About Fillings

Something Stuck between Teeth

Is having something stuck between my child’s teeth an emergency? It’s usually not considered a dental emergency. However, you should give us a call if you need help removing the foreign object. 

How you should handle something stuck between your child’s teeth: Use dental floss and encourage your child to rinse with warm water. Avoid using sharp objects (like a toothpick) to remove the item as it could easily cause damage. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need help.

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