Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. They happen on a Saturday morning. During a holiday dinner. Right before a big presentation at work. And when they do, it’s easy to panic. We want you to be prepared. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes of a dental crisis can make a real difference in saving a tooth, reducing pain, and preventing a small problem from becoming a big one.
Let us walk you through common dental emergencies and what to do.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. If an adult tooth is knocked out completely, you have about 30 minutes to an hour to save it.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing it or using water if you can.
- Try to place it back into the socket if you can. If that’s not possible, keep it moist by putting it in a container of milk or inside your cheek.
- Then call us immediately. The faster you get in, the better our chances of saving the tooth.
A Severe Toothache
A toothache that won’t go away usually means something is wrong. It could be a cavity that’s reached the nerve, an infection, or an abscess.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you can. Don’t put aspirin directly on your gums. That can burn the tissue.
Then call us. A severe toothache usually needs treatment. Waiting can make it worse.
A Fractured or Chipped Tooth
If you fracture or chip a tooth, save any pieces you can. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze.
A small chip might not seem urgent, but it can expose the inner layers of your tooth, leading to sensitivity and infection. Call us so we can evaluate the damage and determine the best way to restore it.
A Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling falls out or a dental crown comes off, it’s not usually a life-threatening emergency. But it does need attention.
Keep the crown if you have it. You can try to slip it back over the tooth temporarily using dental cement from a drugstore, but don’t use super glue. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Call us to schedule a repair.
Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
If something is stuck between your teeth, try to gently remove it with floss. Don’t use sharp objects like pins or knives. If you can’t get it out, call us. Leaving it there can cause infection and pain.
Swelling in Your Face or Jaw
Swelling that spreads to your face or jaw can indicate a serious infection. This needs prompt attention. Call us right away. If the swelling affects your ability to breathe or swallow, go to the emergency room.
How to Prevent Emergencies
Not all emergencies can be prevented. But you can do things to lower your risk.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
- Keep up with your regular checkups so we can catch small problems before they become emergencies.
We’re Here When You Need Us
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call us at (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online. We’ll do everything we can to get you in quickly and get you out of pain.
Our team at AH Smiles serves patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, and Northbrook. Save our number in your phone. And if something happens, reach out. We’re here to help.