Emergencies can happen when we least expect them. Knowing what to do can make all the difference when dental emergencies strike. Treating a dental emergency is part of general dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy and protected. Dr. Margaret Radziszewski provides guidance and emergency dentistry services in Chicago and Arlington Heights.
Our team at Dazzling Dentistry is here to help you with your emergency dental situations. We also want to provide important information that can help you recognize dental emergencies and know what steps to take.
Understanding Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies include a range of situations from sudden severe toothaches to unexpected dental injuries. We want you to know what an emergency is so that you can seek treatment. Learn more about emergencies we treat at Dazzling Dentistry.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, you need quick treatment. Emergency care can protect the exposed part of your tooth and 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.
If you lose a crown, we can provide a temporary crown and make impressions for a permanent crown. Our office can also work with you to provide a replacement dental filling.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
You may break a tooth if you have an injury or bite into something hard, but you need to seek immediate attention. As soon as you damage or crack your tooth, try locate the broken piece of the 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.
You can bring the broken piece to our office in a cup of saliva. We may gently reattach it to your tooth. If you have a large break and can’t find the broken piece, we may recommend a dental crown. A crown will fully cover and protect your tooth.
Soft Tissue Injuries
You can injure your gums, tongue, or cheeks for a number of reasons. Naturally, this can be painful or cause bleeding. If you injure your gums, clean the injured area with warm water. Then, 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 our dentist immediately to increase the chances of re-implantation.
Once you find your tooth, hold it by the crown or top 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. We may reattach the lost tooth if you get to our office immediately. But if this doesn’t work, we’ll recommend a natural-looking tooth replacement like dental implants.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain is usually a sign of a bigger problem. A sudden, intense toothache could be a sign of a cavity, abscess, or nerve damage. If you have pain, you can first try to 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. Dr. Radziszewski will examine your mouth and find the right treatment for your tooth pain.
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’ll schedule an emergency appointment if needed.
What isn’t a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems require dental care, but aren’t part of emergency dentistry services in our Arlington Heights and Chicago offices. We recommend that you call us for an appointment. We’ll see you at your next visit to treat your oral health issues.
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. At home, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove any debris. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, schedule an appointment with our 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 us 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 that can damage your gums or teeth. Call Dr. Radziszewski 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.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but you can care for your teeth and gums to reduce your risk. You can take these steps to lower your risk of these problems:
- Brush and Floss Every Day: Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day helps remove plaque and food particles. A good routine helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections. These common issues can turn into emergencies if not treated.
- Use a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can protect your teeth. It helps prevent chips, cracks, and other injuries. We can make a custom mouthguard in our office to fit your teeth perfectly and give you better protection than one you buy at a store.
- Don’t Chew on Hard Things: Your teeth are strong, but they can still break. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or biting your nails. Don’t chew on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy. These habits can cause cracks, chips, or even broken teeth.
- See the Dentist Twice a Year: Regular dental visits help keep your mouth healthy. During your check-up, we clean your teeth, take X-rays if needed, and look for early signs of problems. Visiting us every six months gives us a chance to catch and treat issues early.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Try to limit sweets and soda. Instead, eat foods high in calcium and vitamins, like dairy products, leafy greens, and crunchy fruits and vegetables. A good diet strengthens your tooth enamel and keeps your gums healthy.
Get Urgent Dental Care
Call our 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.