Don’t delay a phone call to our team when an emergency situation impacts the health of your teeth and gums. Whether you are experiencing a toothache or an accident damaged your smile, we can accommodate emergency services to reduce the long-term impact of the problem. We also provide general dentistry to help maintain your oral health and minimize the risk of future emergencies. Call as soon as possible to determine the right treatment schedule.
What Is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry involves urgent dental care for unexpected dental issues. Dentists provide immediate treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Below are just a few symptoms of a dental emergency situation:
- An abscessed tooth
- A broken or knocked-out tooth
- Damaged restorations, such as crowns, fillings, or bridges
- Persistent tooth pain
Severe tooth pain can indicate a serious problem. Swelling and bleeding are signs of infection or injury. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention to save it. Cracked or broken teeth can expose nerves and lead to infection. Abscesses are painful infections that can spread quickly. Don’t ignore these signs—seek help immediately.
Common Emergency Dental Procedures
Emergency dentists are trained to handle these situations quickly. They use specialized techniques and equipment to address the problem. Their goal is to provide relief and prevent complications.
Emergency dentists perform various procedures to address urgent issues. These include:
- Tooth extractions
- Root canals
- Temporary fillings
- Reimplantation of knocked-out teeth
- Draining abscesses
- Repairing broken teeth
Tooth extractions remove severely damaged or infected teeth. Root canals treat infected tooth pulp and save the tooth. Temporary fillings protect exposed areas until a permanent solution is available. Reimplantation can save a knocked-out tooth if done quickly. Draining abscesses relieves pain and prevents the spread of infection. Repairing broken teeth restores function and appearance.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Knowing how to handle common dental emergencies can make a difference. Here are some tips for various situations:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it. Use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid aspirin directly on the aching tooth, as it can burn the gum tissue. Call your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Save any broken pieces of the tooth if possible. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage and infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If you can’t, store it in milk or a saline solution. Get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, use dental cement or sugarless gum to cover the cavity temporarily. This helps protect the exposed area and reduce pain. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for a permanent solution.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You can prevent many dental emergencies by taking simple precautions. Here are some tips:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels
- Don’t use your teeth as tools
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
- Practice good oral hygiene
Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth during physical activities. Avoiding hard foods reduces the risk of breaking or cracking teeth. Using your teeth as tools can cause damage—use proper tools instead. Regular dental check-ups help catch problems early. Good oral hygiene prevents decay and infections.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
A dental emergency can happen to anyone. Learn more about emergency dental care.
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency involves severe pain, injury, or trauma to the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention. This includes issues like a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, broken or fractured teeth, abscesses, or injuries to the gums or jaw. A dental emergency can also involve problems with dental work, such as a lost filling or crown. In any of these cases, seeking immediate professional care is important to prevent further damage or complications.
Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
While emergency rooms are equipped to handle various medical conditions, they are not ideal for treating dental emergencies. ER doctors are typically not trained in dental procedures, so they may only provide pain relief or prescribe antibiotics until you can see a dentist. For the best care, visiting an emergency dentist specializing in dental trauma or issues is recommended.
Can I use over-the-counter pain relievers for dental pain?
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help temporarily alleviate dental pain, but they do not address the underlying issue. It’s important to visit a dentist to determine the cause of the pain and receive the appropriate treatment. Always follow the recommended dosage and avoid applying pain relievers directly to the gums, which can cause additional irritation.
Can a dental emergency cause permanent damage?
Some dental emergencies can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. For example, a knocked-out tooth that isn’t re-implanted within an hour may not be able to be saved. Similarly, untreated infections or abscesses can spread and cause severe complications, including tooth loss. Seeking immediate dental care is essential to prevent lasting damage.
Does insurance cover dental emergencies?
Most dental insurance plans offer coverage for emergency care, but it depends on your specific policy. Depending on your plan, emergency treatments like root canals, fillings, or extractions may be partially or fully covered. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage for dental emergencies.
What happens if I don’t get immediate treatment for a dental emergency?
Failing to get immediate treatment for a dental emergency can result in further damage, increased pain, or even tooth loss. For example, untreated infections can spread and lead to severe complications like abscesses, bone loss, or systemic infection. Prompt treatment can often save a tooth, reduce pain, and prevent more serious issues from developing.
If you experience any of these conditions, please contact one of our offices in Crystal Lake or Carpentersville today!