Dental Emergencies

Even individuals who follow the most diligent dental care routines cannot prevent every accident that might result in a dental emergency. While meticulous preventative care lessens your chances of an emergency visit to your dentist, it’s important to understand that continuous, unexplained tooth pain can be just as serious as more obvious emergencies like a broken tooth.

Pain is always a sign that something is wrong and seeking treatment from our Loop dentists in Chicago, IL can prevent an emergency dental situation from getting worse. Please reach out to us for an appointment if you are experiencing any kind of dental or gum pain.

Recognizing a Dental Emergency

Persistent dental pain is the common factor in all dental emergencies. Some of the patients we see for dental emergencies visit our office after a sudden, traumatic accident. However, most dental emergency visits are due to a situation that causes gradually increasing pain that finally becomes impossible to ignore. As a rule of thumb, if you are unsure what is causing your tooth pain, it is important to contact our Loop dentists in Chicago, IL. Pain of unexplained origin may result in the loss of a tooth or other serious complications if not promptly attended to.

Universal Emergency Tips

If you are experiencing ever-increasing dental pain or you have experienced a trauma involving your mouth or teeth, your first step should be to call your dental care professional or have someone call on your behalf. Although you may be tempted to take something for the pain, it is recommended that you avoid taking anything except acetaminophen. Other medications, including numbing gels, can interfere with treatment. To help prevent or reduce swelling, you can use a clean, cold compress on the area that is affected.

Common Dental Emergencies:

A Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth, or avulsion, is a serious dental trauma that may be recoverable with swift and appropriate action. If this happens to you, the first thing you need to do is pick the tooth up – by the crown – not the root. Rinse it off gently with water, and if you can, re-insert it into its socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth between your gum and your cheek, place it in a small container of milk, or use a tooth preservative product that has the ADA seal of acceptance. Then immediately bring your tooth to your dentist’s office to see if they can save it.

It is not always possible to salvage a tooth that has been knocked out, despite your best attempt. If you do permanently lose a tooth, don’t despair, there are many restorative dental options available provided by our experienced dentists at our South Loop, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park locations.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can be extremely painful because of the potential to expose your tooth’s root. If you experience this type of dental emergency, you should immediately rinse your mouth with warm water, put a cold compress on your face to keep any swelling down, and visit your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the damage your tooth has sustained, your dentist may suggest bonding, a crown, or another restorative option.

Dental or Periodontal Abscess

A dental abscess can be very painful and dangerous if left untreated. An untreated abscess can spread infection to your tooth, jawbone, and even other areas of your body. Symptoms may include swelling of the face or gums, tooth sensitivity, pain while chewing, fever, and discharge from the area of the abscess. Never ignore any lump or swelling of the gum, as it is possible to have an abscess without experiencing pain.

Acute Pulpitis

Acute pulpitis is a condition in which the tooth’s sensitive inner pulp becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection. This is usually accompanied by continuous pain, sensitivity to temperature, swelling, and a fever. If pulpitis is left untreated, it can lead to removal of the tooth.

Objects Stuck Between the Teeth

For particles of food or other objects caught between your teeth, try to gently remove them with floss. Never use sharp or pointed instruments. If you can’t remove something that is causing irritation and swelling, visit your Loop dentists in Chicago, IL. They can remove the particle, making sure nothing is left between the gum and the tooth or in between the teeth.

Avoid Accidental Dental Injury and Dental Emergencies

Routine check-ups and staying proactive in your oral hygiene are the best ways to prevent dental emergencies. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check for loose crowns and fillings as well as signs of infection, decay, and cum disease. A personalized treatment plan can be created to address these problems before they become an emergency.

There are also some simple precautions you can take to avoid accidents and injury to your teeth. Always wear a mouthguard when participating in sports and recreational activities. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and anything else that might crack a tooth, and never cut things with your teeth – always use a scissors.

Our Loop Dentists in Chicago, IL

If you do experience a dental emergency, call your dentist, and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. Remember, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. At the Art of Modern Dentistry, we are always prepared to handle a dental emergency when it arises – helping to ensure the oral health of our valued clients.