When Is It a Dental Emergency? 5 Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

Your child just fell off the monkey bars and now they’re holding a bloody tooth—what do you do next?

In moments like this, it’s hard to know whether to stay calm or rush to the ER. As your trusted emergency pediatric dentist, we’re here to help you identify what truly counts as a dental emergency—and when to act fast. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving a tooth and long-term issues for your child’s smile.

1. A Knocked-Out Tooth (Baby or Permanent)

Whether it’s a tooth knocked out (baby) or a permanent tooth, don’t assume it’s no big deal. Here’s what to do:

• Permanent tooth: Rinse gently and place it in milk or saliva. Don’t scrub. Call us immediately.

• Baby tooth: Even though it won’t grow back, we may need to examine it to prevent damage to the developing adult tooth underneath.

Pro tip: The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth—or preventing future orthodontic problems.

2. Severe Toothache or Swelling

If your child is in pain or has a swollen cheek or jaw, this could signal a serious infection or abscess. Don’t wait.

Call your emergency dentist for a child right away if you notice:

• Sudden, severe pain that keeps your child up at night

• Swelling near a tooth or under the jaw

• Fever, bad breath, or pus around the gums

These are signs your child needs urgent care.

3. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth

Pediatric dental trauma—like a chipped or broken tooth—can be minor or serious depending on the size, location, and depth of the break.

• Minor chip: May not need emergency care, but should still be evaluated soon.

• Major crack or break: Could expose nerves and risk infection.

Don’t delay. Treating broken teeth early can prevent pain, infection, and future orthodontic complications.

4. Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop

Not all bleeding is an emergency—but persistent or heavy bleeding can be. If your child has:

• Gum bleeding that doesn’t stop after a fall

• Soft tissue injury from biting their cheek or tongue

• Bleeding from around a tooth after trauma

You could be dealing with a dental emergency in Greeley. Apply gentle pressure with gauze and call us immediately.

5. Swollen Jaw or Fever After Dental Injury

A swollen jaw or a fever—especially after a recent tooth injury—is a red flag for infection. In rare cases, infections can spread to other areas of the face or body.

If your child shows these symptoms, they may need antibiotics or even a same day tooth extraction near you.

Don’t wait. Same-day care can prevent serious complications.

When to Call Greeley Kids Dental (And What to Expect)

At Greeley Kids Dental, we offer appointments for dental emergencies. We provide:

• Calm, kid-friendly exam rooms

• Quick triage to assess severity

• On-site sedation options if needed

• Supportive staff who know how to talk with anxious little ones

Before you arrive:

• Bring the tooth or dental fragment (if applicable)

• Make note of symptoms or how the injury occurred
  
  

Don’t Wait—We’re Here When It Matters Most

Dental emergencies are scary—but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’re unsure whether it’s urgent, just give us a call. As your trusted Greeley emergency dentist, we’ll help you decide what to do and get your child back to smiling again.

Need care now? Contact Greeley Kids Dental for fast, expert help from your local emergency pediatric dentist.