Emergencies can happen when we least expect them. Knowing what to do can make all the difference when dental emergencies strike. It can help preserve your oral health. As part of our general dental care, we provide guidance and emergency dentistry services in Chicago and Arlington Heights to protect your smile.
Our team at Dazzling Dentistry is here to help you with your emergency dental situations. We also want to give you essential information that can help you recognize dental emergencies and what steps to take.
Understanding Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies include a range of situations. You may experience sudden severe toothaches or unexpected injuries. We want you to know what an emergency is so that you can seek treatment. Common emergencies include:
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, you need quick treatment. This will help protect the exposed part of your tooth. It can also help pain and discomfort.
As soon as you lose a crown or filling, try to find it and keep it in a safe place. We can reuse it depending on its condition. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area where the crown or filling came out. Be careful not to swallow it if it’s still in your mouth.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
You may break a tooth due to an injury or biting into something hard, but you need to seek immediate attention. This will prevent further damage to your tooth and enamel.
If you can, locate the broken piece of the tooth and keep it so we can try to reattach it to your tooth. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you’re bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply light pressure until it stops.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the gums, tongue, or cheeks can occur for a number of reasons. Naturally, this can be painful or cause bleeding. You need to get professional treatment to avoid infection. Clean the injured area with warm water and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, seek emergency care.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Probably one of the more alarming emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. You need to get to the dentist immediately to increase the chances of re-implantation.
Once you find your tooth, hold it by the crown to avoid damage. Then, rinse it gently and avoid scrubbing. Try to reinsert it into the socket. If this does not work, you can place it in a container with your saliva while you seek dental attention.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain is usually a sign of a bigger problem. A sudden, intense toothache could be a sign of a much larger issue, such as a cavity, abscess, or nerve damage. If you have pain, you can take a few steps to minimize it. Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage your pain until you see our dentist.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you know what to do in a dental emergency, you can protect your oral health. Although it may be hard, you need to stay calm. Remaining calm is the first step in handling any emergency. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
Your next step is to seek professional advice and help. Reach out to our dental office immediately. Our team is ready to guide you on your next steps. We will schedule an emergency appointment if needed.
What is Not a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems will need dental care but are not part of emergency dentistry services in our Arlington Heights and Chicago office.
Minor Toothache
If you have a slight toothache but no swelling, fever, or severe pain, it’s usually not an emergency. This kind of discomfort can often be caused by something simple, like food stuck between your teeth or mild sensitivity. Try rinsing your mouth with warm water and flossing gently to remove any debris. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, schedule an appointment with your dentist to check for cavities or other issues.
Small Tooth Chip
If you chip a small piece of your tooth and it doesn’t hurt or feel sharp, it’s likely not an emergency. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further damage, and see your dentist soon to have it smoothed or repaired. However, if the chip is large, painful, or exposes the inner part of the tooth (the dentin or pulp), call our dentist right away.
Object Stuck in Tooth
If something like food or a small object gets stuck between your teeth, it’s usually not an emergency. Try gently removing it with dental floss or an interdental brush. Avoid using sharp objects like pins or needles, which can damage your gums or teeth. Call our dentist for advice if you can’t get it out and it’s not causing pain. However, the object may need immediate attention if it is causing severe pain or swelling.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies
You can take these steps to lower your risk of these problems:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. A good routine can prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections. Common dental problems can lead to emergencies.
- Wear a Mouthguard: You need a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury or damage. We can provide a custom guard for you in our office.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Your teeth are strong but not indestructible. Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bite nails, or chew on ice, pens, or hard candies. This can crack or break your teeth.
- Visit Our Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings help catch small problems before they turn into big ones. We take X-rays and provide thorough exams when you visit. Our office recommends that you visit us every six months.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks. These foods and beverages can cause cavities. Instead, eat foods rich in calcium and vitamins to keep your teeth strong.
- Address Problems Early: If you notice a dental problem, see our dentist right away. Ignoring it can make things worse.
Get Urgent Dental Care
Call your emergency dentist at Dazzling Dentistry at (872) 276-8546. If you have a dental problem but do not need immediate dental care, schedule an appointment with us online. We’re here to help you with emergency dentistry services in Chicago and Arlington Heights, IL.