Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist, Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Emergency Guide
Parent's Guide to Dental Emergencies: What to Do When Every Second Counts
When your child is in pain or has had an accident, call (718) 998-2424 and we fit urgent cases in as soon as we can, often the same day. Tell us what happened when you call, and a parent is welcome to stay through the whole visit. Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, especially in active children prone to falls, sports injuries, or accidents. From knocked-out teeth to sudden toothaches, these situations require immediate attention to protect your child's oral health. Knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If your child faces a dental emergency, don't wait; schedule a consultation at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn NY 11223.
Dr. Slepak is a pediatric dentist with over a decade of experience. Immediately following his graduation from the New York University College of Dentistry with Honors, Dr. Slepak continued his training at Maimonides Medical Center in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.
During his training, he mastered his knowledge and skills in the treatment of children of all ages.
"I brought my 15m.o daughter for her first time checkup and we had a great experience!! We got an appointment for the same day. The doctors are very professional. The staff is very friendly and welcoming."
Yosselin Reyes
What Is Dental Trauma?
Dental trauma refers to any injury to the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues caused by an accident or sudden impact. It can happen during activities like playing soccer, slipping on wet floors, or biting into hard foods like nuts or candy.
Dental trauma can be painful and may lead to long-term dental problems if not treated quickly. That's why it's important to know what to do when dental trauma occurs and seek professional care as soon as possible.
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Here are some dental emergencies that happen often with kids. Knowing what to do can help protect their teeth and reduce pain.
Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth happens when a tooth cracks or breaks but stays in place. This can expose the nerve and cause sensitivity or pain. Rinse the mouth with warm water and see a dentist quickly.
Intruded Tooth
Sometimes, an injury pushes a tooth up into the gum. This is called an intruded tooth. It needs immediate care to avoid damage to the tooth or jaw.
Tooth Luxation (Loose Tooth)
A tooth might become loose but not fall out after an impact. Try to gently stabilize it and visit a dentist right away to prevent further movement.
Dental Crown Damage
If your child's dental crown breaks or comes off, the exposed tooth can become sensitive or infected. While it's not always an immediate emergency, keeping the crown safe and contacting your dentist promptly is essential.
Broken Orthodontic Braces or Wires
Broken braces or wires are rarely life-threatening but can cause discomfort or injury. Cover sharp edges with dental wax and schedule a repair visit soon.
What To Do First
Call us right away at (718) 998-2424 and describe what happened. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist and bring it with you. For swelling, a bad toothache, or a chipped tooth, we guide you over the phone and get you seen quickly. The front desk speaks English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian, so you can explain the situation in the language you are most comfortable with.
"My mother took my daughter to do a little filling! They didn't wait long! Doctor almost took her right away, and did her job in no time! My daughter didn't have pain, she came home happy! Thanks again to all team for a good job!"
Natalya Prokopenko
How to Respond Quickly to Dental Emergencies?
- 1
Stop the Bleeding
If there is bleeding, use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to press gently on the area. Apply pressure for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- 2
Check for Swelling
Look at the injured area to see if it's swollen or bruised. Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- 3
Remove Any Debris
If there is dirt or small pieces stuck in the gums or teeth, rinse the mouth gently with warm water. Avoid scrubbing, as this could worsen the injury.
- 4
Protect a Broken Tooth
If part of a tooth is broken, save the piece if possible. Place it in a clean container with milk or saliva and bring it to the dentist.
- 5
Avoid Eating on the Injured Side
Ask your child to avoid chewing on the injured side to prevent further damage. This prevents further damage to teeth or gums.
Preventive Measures to Protect Your Child from Dental Emergencies
Parents can take simple steps to keep their children's teeth safe and avoid dental trauma. Here are some helpful tips.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Teach your child not to chew on ice, pencils, or other hard items. These can crack or damage their teeth.
Supervise High-Risk Activities
Watch closely when your child is using playground equipment or riding bikes. Supervision can prevent falls or accidents.
Use Age-Appropriate Sports Equipment
Make sure your child uses the right-sized sports gear, such as helmets or face shields, during activities. This helps protect their teeth and mouth.
Childproof Your Home to Prevent Accidents
Pad sharp edges of furniture and secure unstable items at home. This can prevent injuries from falls or bumps.
Teach Road Safety
Make sure your child wears a helmet when biking or skating and follows traffic rules. This prevents accidents that can injure their teeth and face.
How Professionals Help Children Recover from Dental Trauma?
Secure Loose Teeth
Dentists can stabilize loose teeth using special splints, allowing them to heal in place over time. This prevents further movement and damage.
Repairing Fractured Teeth
For chipped or broken teeth, dentists use bonding materials or crowns to restore their shape and function. This helps the tooth look and work like normal.
Treating Nerve Damage
If an injury affects the tooth's nerve, a dentist might perform a root canal to remove the damaged tissue. This saves the tooth and prevents infection.
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Jessica Borukhova, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist
Dr. Yelena Gofman, DDS
Schedule Your Child's Dental Visit
Call (718) 998-2424 or request an appointment online.
Request a Free Consultation
Turn Dental Emergencies Into Success Stories!
When accidents happen, fast action can save your child's smile. Located at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn NY 11223, we provide expert care to help your child recover from dental emergencies and restore their smile. From knocked-out teeth to sudden injuries, we are ready to provide expert care with a gentle touch.
Pediatric Dental Emergency Care Near You in Brooklyn
Bite Squad Dental of NYC is located at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223, and we help families through dental emergencies across Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Canarsie, and Bay Ridge. If your child has a knocked-out tooth, fractured tooth, or sudden toothache, Dr. Slepak and our team are here to help.
Facing a dental emergency?
Call us right away so we can guide you and get your child seen quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child be seen today for a dental emergency?
Call (718) 998-2424 and tell us it is urgent. We hold room for emergencies and fit children in as soon as we can, often the same day. The sooner you call, the more we can do.
Can a baby tooth injury harm the adult tooth underneath?
Yes, an injury to a baby tooth can sometimes affect the developing adult tooth. It is important to have a dentist check it.
What if my child chips a baby tooth?
A chipped baby tooth may need smoothing or repair. Take your child to the dentist to make sure the tooth is not damaged further.
What if my child's tooth changes color after an injury?
A tooth turning gray or black may indicate internal bleeding or nerve damage. Contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation.
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: April 2026
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.
