Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. One moment you’re eating dinner, and the next you’re dealing with a knocked out tooth or severe tooth pain. Knowing what to do, and who to call, makes all the difference for your oral health.
This guide covers the most common dental emergencies, how to handle them, and when to seek emergency dental care right away.
What Counts As A Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache requires a same-day emergency appointment. But some situations genuinely do need immediate attention.
You should contact an emergency dentist right away if you experience any of the following:
- A knocked out tooth
- A broken tooth or cracked tooth
- Severe tooth pain that doesn’t ease up
- A loose permanent tooth
- Swelling in your jaw or face
- Uncontrolled bleeding from soft tissues
- Signs of an infected tooth, such as fever or a bad taste
Some of these are potentially life threatening symptoms. A dental infection, for example, can spread quickly if left untreated. Do not wait it out.
Most Common Dental Emergencies And How To Handle Them
How To Treat Knocked Out Teeth
A knocked out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. You have roughly 30 to 60 minutes to act.
Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub it. Try placing it back in the socket if possible, or keep it moist in a small container of milk.
Call our office immediately. The faster you seek emergency dental care, the better the chances of saving the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant is often the best long-term replacement option.
How To Treat A Broken Tooth Or Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth may seem minor, but broken teeth can expose sensitive inner layers. That leads to pain and risk of infection if you ignore it.
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can cover sharp edges temporarily with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect soft tissues.
Visit a dentist in Arlington Heights as soon as possible. We create a custom treatment plan based on how much of the tooth is damaged. Depending on the severity, restorative treatment may involve a dental filling, dental crown, or dental bridge.
How To Treat Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can be tricky. Sometimes the pain is obvious, and sometimes you only notice it when biting down. Very sensitive teeth or pain when chewing are both signs something may be wrong.
Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Seek treatment promptly because a crack can deepen over time and become a much bigger problem.
How To Treat A Severe Toothache
Severe tooth pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. It could be a cavity, an infected tooth, or gum disease.
Rinse with warm salt water. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the label. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue.
Do not try to self-diagnose. Schedule a dental appointment so we can find the source and address it properly. Our team provides compassionate care and works quickly to relieve pain.
How To Handle Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can stem from dental trauma, teeth grinding, wisdom teeth issues, or a joint problem. Applying a cold compress helps with swelling. Stick to soft foods and avoid wide jaw movements.
Persistent jaw pain warrants a visit. We assess the cause and provide appropriate treatment or a referral if needed.
How To Treat Lost Fillings Or A Lost Dental Crown
Lost fillings and dislodged crowns expose the tooth underneath to sensitivity and damage. You can use dental cement, available at most pharmacies, as a temporary fix.
Call us for a same-day emergency appointment when possible. Leaving a tooth exposed for too long invites further dental injury and decay.
How To Treat Broken Dentures
Broken dentures affect your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Do not try to repair them yourself with household glue.
Bring the pieces to our dental office. We can often repair or replace broken dentures quickly and restore your comfort.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or tears to your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums count as dental emergencies too. Rinse with salt water and apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding does not slow within 15 to 20 minutes, go to the emergency room for additional support.
When To Call 911 Or Go To The Emergency Room
Some situations require more than a dental office. Head to the emergency room or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, severe facial swelling, or a head or neck injury involving dental trauma.
Once medically stable, follow up with us for any dental injuries. The emergency room treats life-threatening symptoms but does not provide dental restorations or restorative treatment.
What To Keep In An Emergency Dentistry Kit
A simple at-home dental emergency kit can buy you time before reaching us. Consider keeping these items on hand:
- Dental wax
- Dental cement
- Gauze
- A small container with a lid
- Pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- The Parkway Dental phone number (847)259-5600
Preparation matters. Having supplies ready helps you manage dental trauma calmly until we can see you.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Emergency Dental Care?
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of an emergency visit. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so it is worth calling your provider before your appointment.
Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits. Check our frequently asked questions or reach out to us directly through our contact page for guidance.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You cannot prevent every dental emergency, but good habits reduce your risk significantly.
Preventing dental emergencies starts with consistent care. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Schedule regular cleanings and exams so we catch small problems before they become urgent ones.
Wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or pen caps. Address gum disease treatment early, since untreated gum disease weakens teeth and bone over time. Stay current on dental restorations so worn fillings and crowns do not fail unexpectedly.
Our full list of services includes preventive, restorative, and cosmetic options to keep your smile healthy long-term.
Why Choose Parkway Dental For Emergency Dentistry In Arlington Heights?
Parkway Dental serves patients throughout Arlington Heights, IL with prompt, skilled emergency dentistry. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible, because we know dental pain does not wait.
Our team provides honest, compassionate care and treats every emergency patient with urgency and respect. We take time to explain your options and build a custom treatment plan that fits your situation and budget.
Learn more about our approach on our about page or meet the doctor who leads your care. When you need an Arlington Heights emergency dentist, we are ready.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency? The emergency room handles life-threatening symptoms like severe swelling or difficulty breathing. For dental injuries and oral health problems, contact a dental office for proper care and treatment.
What if I knocked out a baby tooth? Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth. Contact us right away and we will advise you on next steps to protect the developing permanent tooth underneath.
How quickly do I need to seek emergency dental care? For knocked out teeth, act within 30 to 60 minutes. For most other dental emergencies, seek treatment the same day whenever possible.
Is a chipped tooth always a dental emergency? A small chip without pain may not need same-day care, but a significant break or one causing severe pain requires immediate attention. When in doubt, call us.
Can dental emergencies cause long-term damage? Yes. Ignoring a dental emergency often leads to tooth loss, infection, or more complex and costly restorative treatment down the road.
Call Parkway Dental Today
Do not wait when you’re dealing with dental emergencies. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome. Parkway Dental offers same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental care in Arlington Heights, IL.
Call us now at (847) 259-5600 or schedule online. We are here to help you get out of pain and back to your life.
