First aid procedures for dental emergencies.

If a child suffers a dental injury, provide temporary relief where possible and consult a dentist as soon as possible. It should not be difficult to obtain an emergency dental appointment; however, if difficulties do arise, contact your local dental society. They often have dentists on emergency call 24 hours a day. If a dentist cannot be contacted immediately, an attending physician in an emergency room should know how to handle an acute dental or oral injury. Although temporary relief can be provided in most dental emergencies, this does not alleviate all symptoms. When in doubt, consult a dentist as soon as possible.