Pediatric Dental Emergencies in Nashville
Accidents happen, and when they involve your child’s smile, you need help fast. At McNutt Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how stressful a dental emergency can feel, for your child and for you.
We do our best to accommodate walk-ins throughout the day for true dental emergencies, and we can often arrange after-hours or weekend visits when needed. You don’t have to be an existing patient to reach out. If your child is in pain or has been injured, we want to help.
Because same-day, after-hours, and weekend visits are reserved for true emergencies, we cannot always guarantee availability. Calling us first helps us determine the best way to get your child seen.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, please call (615) 383-0171 right away so we can guide you on next steps.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving sudden pain, injury, or damage to your child’s teeth, gums, or mouth that needs prompt attention.
Not every bump or complaint requires an emergency visit, but some situations should never wait. When in doubt, call us. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess.
Every case is different, and we will always guide you based on what your child is experiencing.
Common Emergencies We Treat
KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time matters. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or the child’s cheek, if old enough) and call us immediately. Baby teeth are handled differently, and we will walk you through what to do.
CHIPPED OR BROKEN TOOTH
A chipped or fractured tooth can happen during play, sports, or a simple fall. We will evaluate the damage and determine whether the tooth can be smoothed, bonded, or needs further restorative care.
SEVERE TOOTHACHE OR PAIN
Persistent or severe tooth pain is often a sign of decay, infection, or injury that needs to be looked at right away. We will identify the cause and provide relief as quickly as possible.
SWELLING OR INFECTION
Facial swelling, gum swelling, or signs of infection should never be ignored. These symptoms can indicate an abscess or infection that requires urgent care.
BROKEN BRACES OR APPLIANCES
A loose wire, broken bracket, or dislodged appliance can be uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe. We will repair or adjust the appliance and check that everything is tracking as it should.
DENTAL TRAUMA OR INJURY
Falls, sports injuries, and accidents can cause trauma to teeth, gums, or the mouth. We will assess the injury fully to check for damage that may not be visible right away.
What To Do Right Now
In every case, the most important step is the same: call us. We will tell you exactly what to do next and how quickly you need to be seen.
If your child is hurt or in pain, staying calm helps them stay calm too. Here is what we recommend:
Knocked-out tooth
Find the tooth, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist. Call us right away.
Chipped or broken tooth
Rinse the mouth gently with warm water and save any broken pieces if you can.
Toothache
Rinse with warm water and check for anything caught between the teeth. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth.
Swelling
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek and call us as soon as possible.
Bleeding
Apply gentle, steady pressure with clean gauze or a cloth.
Same-Day and After-Hours Care
WE KNOW EMERGENCIES DON’T ALWAYS HAPPEN DURING OFFICE HOURS.
For true dental emergencies, we will try our best to see your child directly, whether that means a same-day walk-in, an after-hours visit, or a weekend appointment.
Please call us first at (615) 383-0171 so we can understand what your child is experiencing. Because these visits are reserved for true emergencies, we cannot always guarantee same-day, after-hours, or weekend availability. If we are ever unable to accommodate a visit, we will help point you toward the best option for your child’s care.
Our goal is always the same: to see your child quickly, calm their fears, and resolve the problem with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an existing patient to come in for an emergency?
No. We welcome families throughout the Nashville community, whether or not your child has been seen here before.
Do I need to call first, or can I just walk in?
Please call us first at (615) 383-0171. For true emergencies, we will do our best to accommodate a same-day walk-in, though we cannot always guarantee it.
What if my child's tooth gets knocked out?
Time matters. Keep the tooth moist and call us immediately so we can advise you on the fastest path to care.
Can you see my child after hours or on weekends?
For true dental emergencies, we will try our best to see your child directly. Call us and we will work to get your child seen as soon as possible. If we are ever unable to accommodate a visit, we will help point you toward the best option for your child’s care.
What if I'm not sure it's actually an emergency?
Call us. We would much rather talk through the details with you than have you wait and wonder.
We’re Here When It Matters Most
Dental emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Call (615) 383-0171 and we will guide you through what to do next and get your child the care they need.