Pediatric dental services

Emergency Pediatric Dentist in Sacramento

Toothaches, chipped teeth and knocked-out teeth are scary for kids and parents alike. Call Kids Dentist Plus at (916) 226-6767 and we'll help you decide the next step and see your child as soon as possible. Calls are answered after hours too.

Medi-Cal accepted

Happy girl running through a grassy field

Calls answered after hours

Toothache or injury? Call us any time.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Call us right away if your child has:

  • A knocked-out, loose or badly broken tooth
  • A toothache that doesn't go away
  • Swelling in the face, jaw or gums
  • A cut to the lips, tongue or cheek (if bleeding won't stop with firm pressure, go to the ER)
  • Pain or sensitivity after an injury to the mouth

First aid for common dental emergencies

Stay calm and follow these steps while you call us:

Knocked-out permanent tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk. Get to a dentist right away.

Knocked-out baby tooth

Don't put it back in, because that can harm the permanent tooth underneath. Press clean gauze on the area and call us.

Chipped or broken tooth

Rinse with warm water, save any pieces, and hold a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling.

Toothache

Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. Call us, and get care the same day if you see swelling or your child has a fever.

When to go to the emergency room

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Bleeding that won't stop with firm pressure
  • A possible broken jaw or head injury
  • Swelling that spreads quickly or reaches the eye or neck

In these situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first. Once your child is stable, we'll take care of the follow-up dental care.

Emergency care, insurance and Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal generally covers emergency dental care for pain and infection for members under 21. We also care for children with other dental insurance and families who pay on their own, and we'll explain costs before treatment.

Not sure if it's urgent? Call (916) 226-6767 or book a teledentistry video visit from home.

Dental emergency FAQs

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If it's a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it gently and put it back in the socket or store it in milk, then see a dentist right away. Don't put a baby tooth back in; call us instead.

Is a toothache an emergency?

A toothache that lasts, keeps your child up at night, or comes with swelling or fever needs prompt care. Call us and we'll help you decide how soon your child should be seen.

Can I give my child pain medicine for a toothache?

Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist which over-the-counter pain reliever and dose are right for your child's age and weight. Never put aspirin or other medicine directly on the gums.

How can I prevent dental injuries?

Have your child wear a mouthguard for sports, use a car seat or seat belt on every ride, and childproof areas where toddlers climb.

Does Medi-Cal cover emergency dental visits?

Usually, yes. For members under 21, Medi-Cal generally covers emergency care for dental pain and infection, and we'll confirm your child's coverage.

Emergency dental care at every office

Call (916) 226-6767 and we'll get your child to the closest available office:

Dental emergency? Call us now

Call (916) 226-6767 any time. Our offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM, and calls are answered after hours too.