Updated on: August 14, 2026
Nothing is scarier than when your child is sick or in pain, and you don't know what to do! The same can be said for dental emergencies. Blood or knocked-out teeth may cause you to panic or feel overwhelmed. But you don't have to worry when you have a trusted pediatric dentist in Castle Pines you can rely on during dental emergencies. Knowing the signs of a dental emergency — and what to do right away — can make all the difference for your child's comfort and safety.
Tips From Your Emergency Children's Dentist
Here are some common tooth emergencies we handle at Sierk Children's Dentistry and what you should do until we can see your child.
1. Broken Tooth
If your child chips or breaks a tooth, we'll need to repair it to avoid it causing discomfort to neighboring teeth.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is of the essence in this situation. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, we have the best chance of saving it if we can treat it within one hour of the injury. Try to place the tooth back into the socket if possible; if not, use milk or saliva to keep it moist on the way to our office. If it's a baby tooth, contact our team for instructions, since immediate re-implantation isn't recommended for primary teeth.
3. Dental Intrusion
This happens when the tooth is forcefully knocked into its socket. Contact your dentist immediately to avoid damage to the root or neighboring teeth.
4. Painful Toothache
A severe and constant toothache that keeps your child from school or their normal activities is likely indicating an infection. A tooth infection won't resolve independently and will cause more discomfort and further damage without treatment.
5. Object Stuck Between Teeth
This is a common occurrence for children who explore things with their mouths. Contact your dentist if you can't dislodge the item or if it's causing bleeding or damage to neighboring teeth.
6. Tooth Sensitivity
If your child is sensitive to temperature or sweets, it could indicate tooth decay. Contact your pediatric dentist for evaluation and treatment.
7. Bitten Lip or Tongue
A severe bite to the lip, cheek, or tongue that causes persistent bleeding, a large laceration, or excessive swelling is a dental emergency. Apply clean pressure and call our office for advice on controlling the bleeding and determining if sutures are needed.
8. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
While occasional gum bleeding can occur with vigorous brushing or flossing, persistent gum bleeding or swelling can signify gum disease or an infection.
9. Jaw Pain or Swelling
If your child is experiencing severe jaw pain or swelling, it can be a sign of an infection or jaw injury, and immediate dental care is necessary.
10. Loose or Lost Filling
A loose or lost filling can lead to discomfort and sensitivity as the exposed tooth becomes vulnerable to bacteria and further decay. A prompt visit to our office can alleviate the problem.
Contact Sierk Children's Dentistry for Emergency Care
If you have a dental emergency, don't hesitate to contact Sierk Children's Dentistry at (303) 865-4066. Conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, we're just a short drive from Lone Tree and Castle Rock.