Emergency Pediatric Dentistry in Granville, OH

When your child’s in pain, waiting isn’t an option. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, sudden toothache, or weekend accident, you need answers - and fast. At our Granville office, Dr. Matthew Pingel and our pediatric team specialize in keeping calm during chaos, providing gentle, efficient emergency dental care when families need it most.

We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be for both kids and parents. That’s why our approach centers on comfort, clear communication, and quick relief - all while protecting your child’s long-term oral health.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

No two emergencies look exactly the same, but we commonly see:

• Toothaches or sensitivity that come on suddenly
• Broken or chipped teeth from falls, sports, or rough play
• Knocked-out baby or permanent teeth
• Swelling or abscesses around a tooth or gum
• Soft tissue injuries (like tongue, cheek, or lip cuts)
• Lost fillings, crowns, or space maintainers

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency - call us anyway. We’ll talk through symptoms, offer guidance, and if needed, schedule a same-day visit.

Our Emergency Process

1. Immediate Triage Call

When you call, our team guides you through first-aid steps before you even leave home, such as how to handle a knocked-out tooth or reduce swelling. We’ll schedule an emergency appointment right away, prioritizing comfort and quick relief.

2. Gentle Evaluation

At the office, Dr. Pingel gently examines your child using digital X-rays and intraoral cameras for fast, detailed imaging. We keep your child involved - showing pictures, explaining what we see, and turning a scary moment into something they can understand.

3. Same-Day Treatment

Whenever possible, we complete treatment during the same visit. Using minimally invasive techniques - like air abrasion, laser therapy, and composite bonding - we can often repair damage comfortably and without extensive drilling. Our goal: relieve pain, protect the tooth, and keep your child calm throughout.

4. Comfort and Care at Every Step

We know how kids respond to stress. That’s why our environment, our language, and our techniques are all designed to help children feel safe. From numbing gel before injections to nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for added relaxation, we tailor every step to your child’s needs.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Some situations require hospital care before dental treatment:

• Jaw injuries or severe facial trauma
• Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
• Head injuries or loss of consciousness

Once your child is stable, call us next. We’ll handle the dental follow-up to ensure healing and proper alignment.

Preventing Future Emergencies

While not all accidents can be avoided, a few habits help reduce risk:

• Mouthguards: Always wear one during sports or when engaging in rough play.
• Regular checkups: Early detection prevents small issues from becoming painful emergencies.
• Healthy habits: Limiting sugary snacks and maintaining a consistent brushing routine helps keep enamel strong.
• Stay calm: Children take their cues from you. A calm parent helps create a calm child, even during stressful moments.
  
  

Why Families Trust Dr. Pingel for Pediatric Dental Emergencies

For over fifteen years, Dr. Matthew Pingel has cared for children in Granville with an approach that balances gentle technique and expert precision.

Families know they can reach a familiar face - not an on-call stranger - when something urgent happens. That continuity builds confidence, reduces fear, and ensures your child receives compassionate care from a trusted team who knows them well.

Emergency Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact our office as soon as possible. We’ll guide you on what to do next and determine whether the surrounding teeth or gums need care.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Rinse the knocked-out tooth in cool water - do not scrub it.

If possible, replace the tooth gently in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze. If you can’t put it back, place the tooth in a container of milk (or water if milk isn’t available). Come to our office immediately. If it’s after hours, call our emergency number. The sooner you act, the better the chance we can save the tooth.

What should I do if my child’s tooth is fractured or chipped?

Contact our office right away. Time matters! Our goal is to save the tooth and prevent infection. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken fragment, bring it with you - we may be able to bond it back to the tooth.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Call our office immediately to schedule an appointment. To help comfort your child while you wait, rinse their mouth with cold water and apply a compress. Avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to the gums.

How can we prevent dental injuries?

Simple steps make a big difference:

• Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activity.
• Childproof your home to reduce common injury risks.
• Schedule regular checkups - consistent preventive care catches issues early and keeps teeth strong.
  
  

We’re Here When You Need Us Most

Dental emergencies don’t run on a schedule, but we do everything we can to make sure you’re never alone in one. If your child is in pain or if something doesn’t look right, call our Granville pediatric dental office immediately. We’ll guide you through what to do next, offer calm reassurance, and get your child smiling again, fast.