Dental Emergencies and Extractions
There is nothing more frightening as a parent than when your child is experiencing pain, sickness, or an emergency. Dental emergencies are especially scary since they can include a knocked-out tooth.
We understand that emergency situations require an immediate response and sometimes same-day care. We are here for your child, and we encourage you to contact us even if you are unsure it’s an emergency. We’re here to help, and we can provide guidance over the phone and same-day appointments if needed.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
When you know what to do during a dental emergency, it’s easier to remain calm, and this will help your child feel more at ease. Here are some common dental emergencies and what you can do until you reach our office:
- A toothache: Tooth pain is likely indicating decay or an infection in your child’s tooth. Contact our dental office right away so we can assess your child.
- A broken or fractured tooth: Depending on the severity of the fracture, we may be able to bond your child’s tooth back together, even if it’s only temporarily.
- A knocked-out primary or baby tooth: If your child loses a baby tooth, it’s a good idea for your pediatric dentist to assess the situation. Treatment may or may not be needed.
- A knocked out permanent tooth: An adult or permanent tooth that is knocked out must be treated right away since the window of opportunity to save it is small. Get to our dental office as soon as possible and use milk to transport the tooth safely if it can’t be replaced into its socket.
When Is a Dental Extraction Needed?
There may be some circumstances where extracting or removing a tooth is the best treatment for your child. Those situations are:
- Tooth decay that is severe and larger than what a dental filling or crown can repair
- Periodontal disease in an advanced stage that has caused an infection
- A fractured or broken tooth
- A tooth affected by trauma or an accident
We always recommended dental extractions as a last resort, and you can rest assured that if it's needed, it is to protect your child’s oral health and well-being. We make every effort to ensure your son or daughter’s comfort if extraction is necessary, and we’re here to guide you through the recovery process from start to finish.
Avoid Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies such as those caused by tooth decay or an infection could likely have been avoided with regular dental checkups and cleanings. These preventive appointments protect your child’s oral health and allow you to treat dental concerns such as tooth decay early on with less invasive procedures.
Contact our dental office if you think your son or daughter may be experiencing an emergency.
Testimonial
I've brought my children to Dr. Reed for years and have always been extremely happy with the quality of care given. The entire staff is outstanding. They put children anxious about their dentist visit at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your son or daughter is experiencing a toothache or any other dental emergency, we encourage you to contact our office first. It is best for Dr. Reed and our team to handle most dental emergencies since hospitals and emergency rooms are not equipped to repair or restore teeth.
If your child has a toothache, it may indicate an infection in their tooth. It is crucial for Dr. Reed to evaluate them as soon as possible since infections won't resolve without treatment.
For a broken tooth, contact our office, as Dr. Reed may be able to bond the tooth back together. Even if that is a temporary fix, it will keep your child comfortable until their tooth can be restored.
If your child's tooth has been knocked out, it is essential to see Dr. Reed immediately. If it's a primary (baby) tooth, Dr. Reed will determine if treatment is needed. If it's a permanent adult tooth, there is only a short window for Dr. Reed to save the tooth, so time is of the essence. Placing the tooth back in its socket is the best way to transport it, if possible, or use milk to keep it moist and carry it safely to our office.
Even if you're unsure that your child is experiencing an actual emergency, contact our office for further instruction.
Our Team
Emergencies & Extractions Technology
Sleeper One (SOAN)
At Frontenac Pediatric Dentistry of St. Louis, your child’s comfort is our top priority, so we’re always seeking out technology that makes dental visits easier and calmer. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Sleeper One, an advanced electronic numbing system that’s changing the way children experience dental care.
This innovative technology can comfortably numb a single tooth in seconds, without the big, intimidating needles or the lingering “fat lip” feeling that can last for hours. Here’s how it helps make visits smoother, gentler, and virtually pain-free for kids of all ages.
What Makes the Sleeper One Different?
Traditional local anesthesia relies on a large needle and a good amount of anesthetic, which can leave a child’s lips, cheeks, and tongue numb long after the appointment is over. The Sleeper One works differently. This electronic injection system delivers anesthesia precisely, one drop at a time, using an intraosseous technique that places the medicine gently right where it’s needed, directly into the bone around the tooth. That means:
- No large needles — the tip is tiny and gentle
- Instant onset — your child is numb and ready within seconds
- No drooling or widespread numbness — only the tooth being treated feels numb
- Less anesthetic — about one-fourth of what was previously needed
The result is less medicine, less fear, and more smiles.
Why Kids (and Parents) Love It
For children, the Sleeper One makes treatment feel easier and far less intimidating, and for parents, that means fewer tears and a smoother visit overall. Kids can eat, talk, and smile comfortably soon after their appointment, without that awkward feeling of having half their face asleep. And because the numbing starts right away, we can often treat multiple teeth in a single visit, saving you time and trips.
Thoughtful, Case-by-Case Comfort
While the Sleeper One is a wonderful fit for many children, every child is different. In some cases, traditional methods may be the better choice. As with every treatment decision at Frontenac Pediatric Dentistry of St. Louis, your child’s comfort, safety, and care always come first, and Dr. Reed will recommend the approach that gives your child the best possible experience.
Our Commitment to Modern, Fear-Free Care
We’re always looking for ways to make your child’s care gentler, safer, and smarter. Investing in technology like the Sleeper One reflects our commitment to modern, fear-free dentistry, because when it comes to your child’s comfort, every detail matters.