PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DENTIST LAKE ST. LOUIS
Don’t Panic. Call Our Team for Same-Day Children’s Emergency Dentistry
Our team understands that the unexpected can happen at any moment, which is why we make an effort to be there for you and your child, regardless of whether it’s during our office hours. Dr. Ivan offers same-day pediatric emergency dentistry in Lake St. Louis after-hours and on the weekend—whenever your child needs. If you find your child dealing with dental pain, a knocked-out tooth, or any other urgent oral health scare, call our office immediately.
Why Choose Sunny Shore Pediatric Dentistry of Lake Saint Louis for Children’s Emergency Dentistry?
- Weekend & After-Hours Emergency Dentistry
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Children’s Dental Sedation Available
Preventive Dentistry Sedation Dentistry for Kids Pulp Treatment Tooth Extractions View Our Services
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Call: The first step you should always take, even if you aren’t entirely sure whether or not your child requires emergency dental care, is to call our office. Our friendly staff will help you determine whether a same-day appointment is necessary and provide you with over-the-phone first aid guidance so you can make your child more comfortable.
- Examination: Once you and your child arrive, our team will jump into action by taking X-rays if necessary, and Dr. Ivan will conduct a thorough examination of their diagnostic images, teeth, and gums.
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Treatment: Based on his findings, Dr. Ivan will create a treatment plan and walk you and your child through it, as well as answer any questions you may have. Our front desk staff will also provide you with a detailed cost estimate and address any of your financial concerns. Then, depending on the type of treatment they require, we will either schedule your child’s appointment for a later date or get it done the same day.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to determine whether one requires urgent attention or not. Fortunately, our team is happy to help you determine the severity of your child’s situation over the phone. Or, you can use the icons below to gauge whether or not to come into the office, as these are some of the most common pediatric dental emergencies we see.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Pediatric Dentistry
Whether your child is coming in because they are struggling with a painful toothache or because they knocked out a tooth, you can have peace of mind knowing our Lake St. Louis dental team is here to help. That starts with scheduling an emergency exam and extends to helping you navigate the financial side of the care they need. If you want to learn more about the cost, read on or give us a call!
Every Dental Emergency is Different – This Is Why
Simply put, no two situations are exactly the same. Before we can provide you with an estimate of the cost, we need to learn about the symptoms your child is experiencing, conduct an oral exam to determine what the root of the problem is, and decide with you the best way to move forward. From there, we can create a custom treatment plan, give you an estimate of the cost, and review the financial solutions available, like dental insurance.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Emergencies?
Sometimes, yes! To find out for certain, you can review the fine print on your child’s plan or bring us their insurance information. If you choose the latter, we can provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, file the claims on behalf of you and your child, and answer any questions you have along the way. Our goal is not only to maximize your benefits, but to make utilizing them a smooth and stress-free process.
How Taking Care Of Your Child's Smile Can Save You Money
Fortunately, many common dental injuries – from small cavities to significant cracks – are largely preventable. That’s why we encourage parents to reinforce good habits, like brushing twice a day, flossing consistently, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. Habits like these may seem insignificant, but they play a big role in keeping your child’s smile healthy.
Important note: If your child is struggling with persistent sensitivity, pain when biting down, or any other abnormal dental symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with our emergency pediatric dentist in Lake St. Louis, Dr. Ivan. The more time that passes, the worse the root of the problem will get. Our goal is to intervene at the earliest possible stage, helping your child’s smile and your wallet in the process.
Keys to Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Even relatively minor dental injuries can lead to considerable sensitivity, soreness, and discomfort. That’s why – even though we offer emergency dentistry – we go above and beyond to prevent your child from ever needing it. Below, you’ll find a few preventive steps we recommend taking to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Schedule a Dental Visit Every Six Months
Sure, routine checkups start with a sweep for cavities, but they don’t end there. During your child’s visit, Dr. Ivan will carefully examine each tooth, their gums, and any existing dental work. If he notices anything concerning, he will bring it to your attention right away and discuss the treatment options. Our team will also provide a gentle cleaning at each visit, which helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up and wreaking havoc on your child’s smile.
Reinforce Good Habits At Home
Another great way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup is by committing to good oral hygiene habits at home. The first is brushing twice a day (and for two full minutes each time). The second is flossing between every two teeth that touch. Oftentimes, children aren’t particularly thrilled with this step, so consider doing what you can to make it fun, like buying themed oral hygiene products or playing fun music.
Find Nutrient-Dense Foods Your Child Loves
Like many other children, yours may love all things sugar. While treats can certainly be enjoyed in moderation, it’s important that they don’t over-indulge since doing so can quickly lead to cavities. Fortunately, there are lots of foods that can help keep your child’s smile healthy from the inside out, like seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables. So, try incorporating apples, bananas, carrots, and other vitamin-rich foods into their diet!
Have Your Child Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Does your child play soccer with their friends after school? Are they on their school’s football team? Maybe they prefer a solo sport, like skateboarding or rollerblading. Regardless, it’s important that they wear a mouthguard. That way, their teeth and gums are protected from unforeseen impact from a bad fall or a rogue ball.
Help Break Bad Habits
Some habits, like chewing on ice cubes, may seem harmless, but they’ve led to more visits with our emergency dentist than you might think. For this reason, we recommend doing what you can to stop behaviors that have the potential to damage their little teeth, including biting their nails, using their teeth to open things, and putting the back of their pencil in their mouth.
Tip: Breaking bad habits is often easier said than done. If you need any resources or recommendations, don’t hesitate to let us know at your next visit! We’d be happy to share what has worked for other families.