Pediatric Emergency Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

When your child is in pain, waiting isn’t an option. That’s why we offer same-day appointments for existing patients who need urgent help. Our team is equipped to handle a full range of dental emergencies and will make every effort to see your child the same day you call.

Outside of business hours, families have direct access to our doctors through our after-hours emergency line. This ensures that trusted guidance is just a phone call away—no guessing, no waiting. You can also use our online form to book emergency dentist appointments quickly and easily.

Contact us to get help fast.

Understanding what qualifies as a true pediatric dental emergency helps you take swift action. Common emergencies we treat include:

• Knocked-out or loose teeth
• Swollen gums or abscesses
• Facial trauma or bleeding
• Severe toothaches
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Broken crowns or fillings

These issues should never wait. If your child is in pain, bleeding, or has sustained a dental injury, contact our office immediately.

Quick action can make all the difference. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

• Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown.
• Rinse it gently—do not scrub or remove tissue fragments.
• Place the tooth in a container of milk or your child’s saliva.
• Call Lenahan Smiles right away to get emergency care.

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to re-implant the tooth. Baby teeth are not typically re-implanted, as doing so may damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, it’s still important to come in so we can assess the area, prevent infection, and plan any necessary follow-up care.

A persistent or sharp toothache can signal an infection or deep cavity. Here’s what you can do right away:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Use a cold compress on the cheek if swelling is present.
• Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
• Contact our office for immediate care.

We understand how stressful this can be for both children and parents—and we’re here to make things easier.

Accidents happen, especially in active, growing children. Some of the most common reasons for a trip to the children’s emergency dental clinic include:

• Falls during play or sports
• Untreated cavities that lead to infection
• Biting hard foods, ice, or foreign objects
• Infections or dental abscesses
• Grinding or clenching (also called bruxism)

Our goal is to not only treat emergencies, but help prevent them in the first place.

While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce your child’s risk with the right habits and protection:

• Keep up with regular dental cleanings and exams
• Use mouthguards for sports or high-impact play
• Avoid sticky, hard, or overly sugary snacks
• Encourage proper brushing and flossing
• Address signs of teeth grinding early

Preventive dental care plays a key role in long-term oral health, and we’re happy to guide you.

Your response sets the tone. Staying calm helps your child feel safe and supported. Here are a few tips:

• Speak in a soft, steady voice—even if you’re worried
• Avoid showing visible panic or fear
• Distract younger children with a game or favorite song
• Bring along a stuffed animal or blanket for comfort
• Remind them that our team is kind, gentle, and here to help

At Lenahan Smiles, we specialize in anxiety-aware dental care and are trained to support children through every step of their visit.

Right away. If your child has swelling, pain, or visible trauma, it’s best to get emergency dental treatment the same day. We offer immediate dental appointments and prioritize fast relief for urgent needs.

Our clinical team is trained to evaluate and triage pediatric cases quickly, so your child can get out of pain and on the path to recovery.

The cost of an emergency dental visit depends on the type of treatment needed. Our team will walk you through all costs before proceeding and help you understand your insurance coverage.

We believe in transparent pricing and no surprises. Payment plans may be available depending on the treatment, and we’re happy to discuss all options with you.

Choosing a pediatric dentist in an emergency comes down to trust—and we’ve earned it, generation after generation. Here’s why families throughout St. Louis rely on us:

• Board-certified pediatric dentists who specialize in child-focused care
• Legacy of service trusted by multiple generations of local families
• Fast, ethical dental treatment that never includes unnecessary procedures
• Welcoming care for children with special needs, including autism
• Calming, comforting environment designed for little ones

We treat every child like family—because to us, they are.

If your child is in pain or something just doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. The team at Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, MO is here with same-day appointments, emergency care, and after-hours support you can count on.

Contact us to book an emergency dental appointment. We’ll help your child smile again—safely, gently, and quickly.