Dental emergencies are painful and stressful, but they can be resolved with prompt care. If you’re in need of emergency dental services, there are many resources available to help you find a dental office near me and receive treatment. These resources are often available outside of normal dental office hours and can save you from living with pain or suffering until regular dental offices reopen.
Dental emergency services include addressing sudden pain, discomfort and trauma to the teeth and gums. These problems can range from severe toothaches to knocked-out or fractured teeth. Emergency dentists are trained to treat these problems immediately, preventing further damage and minimizing pain.
Toothache Pain
Severe tooth pain should never be ignored; it’s a sign of a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A severe toothache may be caused by a cracked or infected root, gum disease, or bruxism (teeth grinding). If you’re experiencing a painful tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply an ice pack to control the swelling. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your symptoms.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Chipped, broken, or fractured teeth need to be treated promptly in order to avoid infection and additional structural damage. If your damaged tooth has sharp edges, cover them with dental wax to prevent them from scratching your tongue or cheek. Knocked-out teeth can sometimes be reimplanted if treated quickly. Try to gather as many of the tooth pieces as you can, clean them gently with water, and hold them by their crowns.
Abscessed Teeth
Infection at the roots of a tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and foul breath. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can lead to serious complications, including bone loss in the jaw. Emergency dentists can treat an abscessed tooth with antibiotics and root canal therapy, avoiding the need for extraction and saving the patient’s remaining natural teeth.
Lost or Dislodged Tooth Fillings
Loss of a tooth filling can be painful and cause sensitivity to the adjacent teeth. An emergency dentist can replace the missing or displaced filling, easing your discomfort and reducing your risk for future tooth decay.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact a local Northbrook emergency dentist immediately to set up an appointment. If you reach the dentist’s voicemail, leave a message with your contact information and your symptoms. Your dentist will call you back with instructions and recommendations for care. In addition to your dentist, you can also call your insurance provider to find a list of in-network dentists that offer emergency dentistry services. Your dentist’s office can also refer you to a local dental referral service that can connect you with a dentist in your area who offers emergency services. In some cases, emergency dentists can even treat your dental problem over the phone or via video conference! This can save you time and money by allowing you to skip the trip to the emergency room.