Dental emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. When faced with a sudden toothache or other oral health issues, seeking prompt and professional care is essential. At A Dental Place, we’re committed to providing exceptional emergency dental care for our patients in Lombard.
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist
Dental emergencies can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and require immediate attention. Some common situations where you might need an emergency dentist include:
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a painful infection that occurs when bacteria enter the tooth’s root or surrounding gum tissue. This can cause a pocket of pus to form, which can be extremely painful and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. If you notice symptoms like facial swelling, throbbing pain, tooth sensitivity, or a fever, seek emergency dental care immediately.
Severe Tooth Pain
Intense tooth pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a deep cavity or tooth infection. The discomfort may be persistent throbbing or intermittent sharp, stabbing pain. You may also only experience intense pain while chewing.
Persistent Gum Discomfort
Persistent gum pain could indicate advanced gum disease or another oral health problem. It could also mean that a foreign object, such as a popcorn kernel or wood splinter from a toothpick, is lodged under the gum.
Knocked Out or Broken Tooth
Accidents can happen and sometimes result in a knocked-out or broken tooth. In these situations, seeing an emergency dentist as soon as possible may save the tooth and prevent further damage.
Swollen Jaw or Mouth
Swelling in the jaw or mouth may indicate an infection, an abscess, or another issue requiring immediate attention. If you experience sudden or severe swelling, contact an emergency dentist immediately.
Missing Restoration
Losing a filling or dental crown can be both painful and problematic, as it exposes the tooth’s vulnerable inner layers to bacteria and decay. If you’ve lost a filling, you need emergency dental care to refill or seal the tooth.
What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Dental Care
While you wait for your emergency dental appointment, there are a few steps you can take to manage your pain and minimize damage:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the affected area and reduce bacterial growth
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your face intermittently for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth
Call Our Office for an Emergency Dentist
At A Dental Place, we understand that dental emergencies can be distressing. Our team of skilled professionals is ready to provide the high-quality emergency dental care you need in Lombard.
If you find yourself in need of urgent dental attention, give us a call at (630) 620-7300.
