Emergency Contact Information
210-787-1200
Office Hours
Monday/Wednesday 8:00-5:00
Tuesday/Thursday 7:00-3:00
Friday is reserved for IV Sedations.
After Hours
Our established patients should call Dr. Torres’ cell phone. That number is available on our after-hours phone message.
We are always here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations. You may want to display this list on your refrigerator or store it near your emergency phone numbers for easy reference.
What do I do if my child has a…
Toothache
Any time a tooth aches, throbs, or hurts when pressed on, this is known as a toothache. In some cases, toothaches can be easily remedied at home by rinsing your child’s mouth with warm water or using dental floss to remove food that has lodged itself between two teeth. In other cases, your child may need to be seen by their dentist to determine the cause of the pain. Until your appointment, you can use tylenol and/or cold compresses to relieve your child’s pain. Do not use aspirin, topical pain medications, or heat.
Chipped or Cracked Permanent Tooth
A chipped tooth occurs when a piece falls off, while a cracked tooth occurs when the tooth fractures. Both types of injuries can result in infection and the need for extensive dental treatment if not treated immediately. For this reason, we recommend calling our office immediately for assistance. While you wait, you can use a cold compress to minimize any swelling or discomfort. You will also want to gather up any tooth fragments, if possible.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth
Most cases of knocked out baby teeth are not generally an emergency and you can wait to contact your child’s pediatric dentist during normal business hours. In some cases, treatment may be needed, but most cases don’t require any treatment.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If your child loses one of their permanent teeth, you will need to see their dentist IMMEDIATELY in order to save the tooth. You will need to look for the missing tooth and handle it only by the crown to rinse with water once you find it. NEVER hold the tooth by the root, scrub the tooth, or clean it with soap. If the tooth is completely intact and has no fractures, you can try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child bite down on some gauze. If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, it will still need to be transported either in the patient’s mouth or in a cup with milk or saliva. This is because the tooth needs to remain moist for the best outcomes.
Take Your Child to the Emergency Room If:
- They have a tongue, lip, or cheek injury that won’t stop bleeding with firm pressure
- They have suffered a blow to the head
- You suspect a possible broken or fractured jaw