Are you experiencing a dental emergency? It’s easy to panic, but keeping a cool head can help to minimize damage and discomfort. Whatever the exact emergency, contact your dentist’s office right away. Then take the appropriate steps at home. Fortunately, when you are proactive, your dentist can often perform restorative dentistry to save your tooth.
Dr. Julie Glud of Dental Care of Lombard provides quick and compassionate treatment to patients of all ages. Plus, she understands the anxiety of a dental emergency, and her gentle approach will help to set you at ease.
In an emergency, time is of the essence! Contact our Lombard, IL, office right away to schedule the important care you need.
Toothache
There are several reasons that you could be experiencing a toothache. A cavity is one of the most common. In fact, an estimated 25-26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Dental infection is another reason for tooth pain. Infection sets in when decay goes untreated, and oral bacteria reach the tooth roots. Pain is often sharp and worsens in response to temperature changes.
You can minimize a toothache at home by using a cold compress and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. You may also want to avoid very cold or very hot foods.
Once in the office, Dr. Glud will diagnose the cause of your toothache to provide the right treatment. If you have a cavity, a filling is typically the first solution. Root canal therapy is the most common treatment for infection. Rest assured that extraction is only recommended as a last resort.
Knocked Out Tooth
If your tooth comes out, it can be shocking. But it may still be possible to save it if you reach the dentist’s office within a half hour!
In the meantime, pick up the tooth and gently wash it off. Never touch the exposed roots. If you can, put the tooth back in the socket, biting down gently to hold it there. If this is too painful, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk and bring it with you to the office.
If Dr. Glud is unable to save the original tooth, she will recommend a restorative option, such as a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Broken Tooth
The protocol for a broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. If your tooth is only chipped, you may not experience much discomfort. In this case, dental bonding may be the best solution.
On the other hand, if your tooth is cracked, this is a true dental emergency, since you could experience significant discomfort. As with a toothache, a cold compress and anti-inflammatories can help. In some cases, Dr. Glud may perform root canal therapy on a cracked tooth. If the root canal is cracked, extraction is likely the only option.
Something Stuck in Your Teeth
If you have something stuck between your teeth, use dental floss and mouthwash to try to dislodge it. If this does not work, call the dentist. Never try to remove the object with a sharp instrument since this could damage your gums.
Facing a dental emergency? Contact Us Today!
Whatever your urgent situation, we are ready to provide the emergency treatment you need.
Make an appointment online or, to talk to someone right away, call (630) 629-5700.
