Emergency Dental Care in Berwyn, IL

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and it is important to know what to do. Knowing who to call and how to act in a dental emergency can reduce the risk of permanent damage.

One of the most important calls to make in case of a dental emergency is to your dentist’s office. And your dental team will be able to give advice over the phone about what to do. 

When is Emergency Dental Care Needed?

Emergency dental care is needed when an accident or trauma occurs and damages the teeth. Accidents can be anything from sports injuries to biting down on a hard piece of candy. While these situations are often painful, they can be dealt with quickly.

Dental emergencies can be painful, and it’s important to call your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner your dentist can treat your emergency, the better off your smile will be.

Symptoms of a Dental Emergency

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could suggest a dental emergency that requires immediate care.

• Severe toothache
• A broken or dislocated tooth
• Bleeding from the gums
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• A lost crown or filling
• Prolonged oral bleeding
• Swelling
• Persistent difficulty eating or speaking

How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency?

The best way to prepare for a dental emergency is by being prepared. Always have your dentist’s phone number saved in your phone and written down somewhere where you can easily access the information. Consider keeping a small first aid kit in your purse or car, just in case you run into an accident.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency at Home?

A dental emergency can be a stressful situation. Sometimes, patients need to act quickly to protect their oral health. Here are some steps patients can take to deal with a dental emergency at home before scheduling an appointment with their dentist.

1. Clean the affected area.

Use gauze to remove any debris, blood, or other substances from the mouth.

2. Rinse the mouth.

Rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution or mouthwash to dislodge any food particles or bacteria that may still be present.

3. Apply a cold compress.

Apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling.

4. Use dental wax.

Use dental wax to cover any sharp edges of a broken tooth or protect the tongue, cheek, or gums from injury.

5. Take over-the-counter pain medications.

Take over-the-counter pain medications to manage the pain.

In the event of a dental emergency, it’s important to remain calm. You may be in pain, but it’s important to do your best to prevent yourself from feeling any anxiety or panic. If you begin to feel stressed, try taking a few deep breaths before you do anything else.

The next step is to call your dentist’s office and ask to speak to the emergency dental team. They will walk you through what to do next, which will usually be to come in as soon as possible.

When to seek treatment in case of a dental emergency?

If you experience a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth, chipped tooth, broken crown, lost filling, or sudden toothache, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. That way, the dentist can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment. For example, if you have a chipped tooth, the dentist will use a dental filling or dental crown to remedy the problem and restore your smile.

What will happen if I do not treat my dental emergency?

If you ignore a dental problem, it could get worse. If you delay treatment, you may have to undergo more complicated and expensive procedures in the future.

Call 34th Street Dental Care at 708-484-6576 to schedule your consultation with our dentists to learn more about our dental treatments.