At Gallery Dental of Oakbrook, our team specializes in a wide range of general dentistry services. One such service that we provide is emergency dentistry for patients in need of urgent care.
If you’re currently experiencing a dental emergency, then contact our Oakbrook Terrace, IL, dental office immediately at (630) 620-8300 or send us a message online. Not sure if you’re dealing with an emergency? Keep reading–we’ll discuss four common signs that you need emergency dentistry services.
Loose or Wiggly Teeth
Permanent teeth should never be noticeably loose. If you’re noticing that one or more of your teeth are wiggly, then it’s time to contact Dr. Peter Noto. Loose teeth could indicate that something is seriously wrong, such as:
- Advancing gum disease
- Osteoporosis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Dental injury
Dr. Noto recommends leaving the tooth alone while you wait to be seen by our team. Keeping the tooth stable gives our team a better chance at saving the loose tooth.
Knocked-out Teeth
In some cases, our team can save a tooth that has fallen out, but it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Following these steps will give you a better chance at salvaging a knocked-out tooth:
- Never handle the root of the tooth. Instead, pick it up by the crown (or top) of the tooth.
- Gently rinse the tooth with clean water. Do not remove any gum tissue attached to the tooth.
- If possible, carefully try to put the tooth back in the socket. If it is not possible, then keep the tooth damp by holding it in the side of your cheek or by gently placing it in a container of milk.
- Contact Dr. Noto as soon as possible.
Don’t panic, but do act as quickly as you can. The sooner you can get to our office, the more likely it will be for our team to successfully implant a missing tooth.
Dental Damage
Accidental dental damage can result in chipped, fractured, or cracked teeth. In most cases, chipped teeth are no cause for concern. Fractured and cracked teeth, however, are dental emergencies.
Harmful bacteria can find their way inside cracked or fractured teeth, which can cause a painful infection. Getting emergency dentistry services for damaged teeth as quickly as possible will mitigate the risk of infection and prolonged dental pain.
Dr. Noto can easily fill or cover dental damage with composite resin fillings or dental crowns. But while you’re waiting to be seen by our team, follow these important steps:
- Keep the damaged tooth clean by rinsing with warm salt water.
- Manage pain with over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen.
- Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the side of the face.
Abscesses
An abscess is an infection that accumulates in a pus-filled sac. Typically, dental abscesses appear on the gum tissue as a red and painful bump. If left untreated, the abscess will continue to grow, which can spread the infection to other areas of the mouth, head, neck, and body.
Patients with a dental abscess must seek emergency dentistry services immediately to safely drain the sac.
Have a dental emergency? Call us now.
Are you in need of a trusted emergency dentistry center to help you handle a dental crisis? Then, call the compassionate team at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook now. We’ll help you repair your smile quickly.
Patients can reach our Oakbrook Terrace dental office by calling (630) 620-8300 or by sending us a message online.