Emergency Dental Treatment for Kids in Marin County

Contact Your Kentfield Pediatric Emergency Dentist

If your child is in pain from a dental emergency, please contact us immediately using the information above. We are always available to treat true dental emergencies, relieving your child’s pain and treating the issue as quickly as possible. Dr. Vakili has been a trusted emergency pediatric dentist in the Greenbrae and Kentfield areas for over 15 years, bringing fast relief to even the youngest patients with her gentle touch.

After Hours: If swelling or trouble breathing is present, go to the nearest ER immediately.

UCSF pediatric dentistry: 415-476-3276
Children’s Hospital Oakland: 510-428-3000
Marin County Dental Society: 415-472-7974

How to Triage a Pediatric Dental Emergency

Some dental emergencies can wait until Dr. Vakili sees your child in our office. Others require immediate, emergency intervention. Here are some tips on how to handle each type of dental emergency:

Severe Swelling and a Fever

Don’t delay. Take your child to the Emergency Room immediately. The swelling and fever indicate an infection that can be serious or life-threatening.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Call us right away at the number above. If you have the tooth, pick it up by the crown and try to replace it in the socket after gently rinsing off any debris. Do not touch the root or try to force the tooth into the socket. If it doesn’t work, save the tooth in a small container with milk or water. Bring it to the appointment so we can try to restore it. Do not try to remove any tissue clinging to it. We have a much better chance of saving the tooth if you can see us within an hour of the injury.

Persistent Bleeding

Apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth to slow or stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, take your child to the Emergency Room.

Toothache or Broken Tooth

A severe toothache or broken tooth should be seen by Dr. Vakili the same day. Calling our office first thing in the morning, or as soon as you become aware of the problem, is the best way to schedule a same-day appointment.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies We Treat

• Toothache: Pain in or around a tooth, sometimes accompanied by swelling. The pain may be persistent or throbbing. Rinsing with warm saltwater will help. Contact us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out permanent tooth is always a dental emergency, as it must be replaced to fill the space left by the missing tooth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, we may need to use a spacer to maintain space until the permanent tooth comes in.
• Chipped/Broken Tooth: Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Contact our office for immediate dental attention.
• Abscess/Swelling: This may look like a bubble or pimple on your child’s gums. If the area is swollen, go to the ER immediately, as infections can be dangerous in young children.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: You can often treat these by applying ice to the bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes, take your child to the Emergency Room.
• Broken Braces or Wires: If a broken appliance can be removed easily, remove it. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue, DO NOT remove it. This is an emergency and needs emergency care. Contact us immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child do not usually require emergency attention. You can contact your child’s orthodontist for instructions.
• Cold/Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from cold or canker sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give some relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, be sure to schedule a dental evaluation if these sores persist. These are not usually considered emergencies.
• Broken Jaw: If you suspect a broken jaw, try to keep your child from moving their jaw and get them to the Emergency Room immediately.

Pediatric Dental Emergency FAQs

What counts as a pediatric dental emergency?

Any urgent dental problem that involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or damage to the teeth or jaw must be resolved immediately. Symptoms may include swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, signs of infection, fever, or difficulty with breathing or swallowing.

My child’s baby tooth was knocked out. What do I do?

Call our office to schedule an appointment so we can determine whether a spacer is needed to maintain the space until the permanent tooth comes in. If possible, save the tooth and bring it with you to the appointment. Do NOT attempt to place the tooth back in the socket, as this could damage the permanent tooth in the jawbone.

When should I go straight to the ER?

Any time you suspect a broken jaw, your child’s face or jaw is swollen, they are experiencing difficulty breathing, or their bleeding is uncontrolled after 15 minutes.

Why Families Choose Dr. Vakili for Their Emergency Kids’ Dentist

As an experienced pediatric dentist serving Marin County for over 15 years, Dr. Vakili has established a reputation for calming patients of all ages who have suffered traumatic dental injuries. She provides gentle, kid-friendly care for both emergencies and routine visits while keeping parents informed and reassured throughout the process. Our convenient Kentfield location and easy parking options mean getting emergency dental care for your child doesn’t involve hassles with traffic or parking, so there’s less worry and faster, more effective treatment.

If Your Child Needs Emergency Dental Care, Call Now!

Call Us: Kentfield Office Phone Number 415-454-6414 to Book an Emergency Visit
Get Directions to our Kentfield Office.