Northalsted Dental Spa – Emergency Dental for Chicago Residents
Dealing with dental injuries or tooth pain is never fun, and often these situations turn out to be incredibly frustrating, uncomfortable experiences. If you have recently suffered a dental injury or are dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait- contact the team at Northalsted Dental Spa today for urgent dental care in Chicago.What to Do in A Dental Emergency
Until a dental emergency occurs, you aren’t thinking of what to do if you chip a tooth on an apple or suddenly come down with a toothache. However, while we can’t prevent all accidents from happening or predict all dental health issues before they occur, it’s important to know what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle it.
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we have the experience necessary to address all types of dental injuries and unexpected oral health issues. Our team of emergency dental professionals are here to help relieve your pain as quickly as possible and protect your smile.
Below are some situations that may require a visit to our office for emergency dental care in Chicago, IL.
What is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Understanding the difference between a dental emergency that requires immediate care, a problem that can be handled at home, or a situation that requires a trip to the emergency room, is vital to your oral health. Being able to make these distinctions will ensure that you follow the proper steps to protect your smile, even in times of crisis.
To learn more about what counts as a dental emergency, continue reading.
Common Dental Emergencies
A KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
If and when an adult tooth is knocked out, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. If you are able to locate the tooth, attempt to place it back into the socket without touching the root. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this or you are unable to do so, place the tooth between your cheek and your gums to keep it moist. You may also place the tooth in a small container of milk to help preserve it until you can reach your dentist.
A BROKEN TOOTH
To learn more about what counts as a dental emergency, continue reading.
A chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken tooth is another example of an emergency situation. If any of these occur, rinse your mouth out with warm water and gently press a cold compress to your face to help reduce swelling.
While minorly damaged teeth do not usually need to be repaired the same day, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
DENTAL ABSCESS
A dental or gingival abscess is what occurs when an infection is present. Abscesses require immediate medical attention, and if left untreated can result in serious medical consequences. Signs of a gingival or tooth abscess can include, but are not limited to, the following symptoms:
- A bump on the gum tissue
- A toothache
- Swollen gums
- Swollen face or jaw
- Soreness in one area of the mouth
- Redness in or outside the mouth
- Tooth sensitivity
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing
TOOTHACHE
While almost no one is a stranger to what having a sensitive tooth feels like, there is a world of difference between a tooth that hurts when cold water hits it, and a tooth that is causing chronic pain.
A toothache can mean you have a deep cavity that may or may not need a root canal, a dental abscess, a fractured tooth, an existing crack that has traveled to the tooth’s root, or the tooth may need to be extracted.
BITTEN TONGUE, LIP, or CHEEK
Not all dental emergencies have to do with a broken or damaged tooth. It’s also possible to bite through your tongue, lip, or cheek in certain scenarios.
If this occurs, you’ll want to use a cold compress to gently clean the damaged area by wiping away any blood. You can also use a cold compress to keep swelling to a minimum. Visit an emergency room if the wound is severe or bleeding does not stop after fifteen minutes.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Chicago
Accidents happen, but there are certain precautions that you can take in order to protect your dental health. If you participate in sports or other recreational activities, make sure to wear a mouthguard that protects your teeth. Additionally, avoid biting down on hard foods, such as ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, etc., especially if you have dental crowns or fillings. Finally, don’t use your teeth to rip tape, open packages or envelopes, or to do anything that teeth aren’t meant to do.
Emergency Dentistry in Chicago, IL
When you are faced with a dental emergency, it’s important to know who you can call for urgent care and professional advice. At Northalsted Dental Spa, your Chicago emergency dentist, we’re here when you need us, and we will always do all we can to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful.
As your neighborhood Chicago dentist, if you are in pain, have a damaged tooth, or are concerned you may need immediate medical attention for an oral health issue, contact us as soon as possible for emergency services.
