Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often without warning. You need to seek immediate care whether you have a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth. At North Dental Professionals in Chicago and Skokie, IL, we provide comprehensive emergency dental services. Emergency care is part of our general dentistry services to maintain your oral health. Our team is dedicated to helping patients prevent and recover from emergency dental situations.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we offer same-day emergency care and after-hours care to address your urgent dental needs. Our team of experienced emergency dentists can provide prompt and effective treatment for a range of dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken teeth, and abscesses.
Common Dental Emergencies
It can be hard for some patients to understand what is truly a dental emergency. We treat many different types of emergency dental situations. If you have any questions, you should contact our office immediately.
Toothache
A toothache is a common dental problem. It may be caused by various issues such as cavities, infections, or gum disease. If you have a toothache, first rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Avoid using aspirin directly on the gum near the aching tooth, as it may burn the tissue. Then contact North Dental Professionals for an appointment as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
You can break or chip a tooth when you eat hard foods, play sports, or have an accident. You want to save any pieces of the tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include dental bonding, dental crowns, or veneers. Our skilled team can provide the necessary repairs to restore your smile.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a serious emergency that needs immediate attention. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root, and rinse it with water if dirty. Try to place the tooth back in its socket without forcing it. If this isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of saliva. Keeping the tooth moist will increase your chance that we can reattach it in our office. Get to our Chicago or Skokie office within 30 minutes for the highest chance of saving the tooth. If we can’t reattach your tooth, we’ll recommend dental implants.
Loose or Broken Restoration
Call Dr. Paul Chaiken’s office right away if you have a loose or broken restoration, such as a filling, crown, or bridge. A damaged restoration can leave your tooth exposed, which may cause pain, sensitivity, or even infection if not treated quickly.
Try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further damage. If the restoration has completely come out, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you to your visit. Dr. Chaiken will carefully examine your tooth to see if the restoration can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a painful infection that often causes swelling, throbbing pain, or even fever. If you think you have an abscess, call Dr. Paul Chaiken’s office right away for emergency care. Don’t try to pop or drain the abscess on your own, as this can make the infection worse.
You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help ease discomfort, but the infection won’t go away without professional treatment. Dr. Chaiken will examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and determine the best way to remove the infection. Treatment may include draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, or performing a root canal or extraction to protect your overall health. Acting quickly will help relieve your pain and stop the spread of infection.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
You want to stay calm if you have a dental emergency. Contact North Dental Professionals immediately for guidance and to schedule an emergency appointment. Our expert staff will provide instructions on managing pain and discomfort until you can be seen.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Temporary solutions like dental cement or sugar-free gum can provide short-term relief for issues like lost fillings or crowns. The most important thing to do in a dental emergency is to avoid touching the painful area.
How to Prevent Emergency Dental Problems
While most dental emergencies happen without warning, infections or abscesses can develop over time. You can also increase your risk of a dental emergency if you don’t wear a mouthguard during sports. The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to keep up with regular check-ups, practice good oral hygiene every day, and protect your smile.
Visit Our Office Regularly
Routine visits to our office allow Dr. Chaiken and his team to examine your teeth and gums closely. During these visits, they can spot cavities, gum problems, or early signs of damage before they become painful or require more serious treatment. Preventive care like this saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Brush and Floss
We recommend that you brush and floss every day. Brushing removes food and plaque from the surface of your teeth, while flossing cleans between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. When you make these habits part of your daily routine, you lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infections that could lead to emergency visits. You’re less likely to develop painful problems if you have healthy teeth and gums.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums
If you play sports or take part in physical activities, a mouthguard is another important way to avoid emergencies. Contact sports, biking, or even recreational activities can sometimes lead to broken or knocked-out teeth. A mouthguard helps cushion your teeth and jaw against sudden impacts and reduce the risk of injury.
Even with good care, dental emergencies can still happen and need quick attention. But knowing the most common emergencies and how to handle them can help reduce stress and protect your teeth. At North Dental Professionals, we’re here to give you fast and high-quality emergency care. If you ever face a dental emergency, call us right away. Your oral health is our top concern, and we want to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Contact Us Today
Do you need urgent dental care? Get a same-day dental appointment. Call your local emergency dentist in Skokie and Chicago, IL. Contact our Chicago dental office at 708-274-4192 and our Skokie dental office at 224-267-8083.