Dental emergencies, such as injuries to the teeth or gums, should never be ignored. Allowing too much time to pass in an emergency could result in permanent tooth damage and a need for much more extensive treatment in the future. Skokie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, can help with certain emergent services, though it’s always a wise idea to keep an after hours emergency dentist phone number in your phone.
What to Do if a Tooth is Chipped or Broken
If you have an accident, or sustain an injury that breaks one or more teeth, do your best to locate the tooth fragments. Press gauze to the area of injury if there is blood, applying gentle pressure for roughly 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Cold compresses can be used to keep swelling down while you make your way to the dentist.
My Tooth Has Been Knocked Out…Now What?
As with chips and breaks, retrieving the dislodged tooth is essential if there is any chance of reattachment. Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but be gentle in case there is any tissue still attached to the tooth. Put the tooth in a small container of milk, Gatorade, or a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. If you act swiftly, and can get to your dentist within an hour, there is a chance that the tooth can be returned to the socket.
I Think I Have an Abscess
Abscesses are potentially serious infections at the root of the tooth or in periodontal pockets that exist in cases of severe gum disease. If you have severe pain along with a pimple-like swollen spot on your gums, you should schedule an emergency dental appointment. When abscesses are left to fester, tissue damage can occur and the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Consult your Skokie Cosmetic Dentist
Schedule an appointment with our 60076 dentist office by calling 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
