Dental Emergencies

We also understand that dental emergencies come in many different forms. Some examples of dental emergencies are:

1. Acute pain, swelling, or fever often indicate a dental infection. We will have you in as soon as possible and determine if the tooth requires a tooth extraction (hopefully not!), a root canal, is a gum (periodontal) infection, or something else. Our goal is to get you comfortable as quickly as possible!
2. Broken teeth—If there is no swelling or pain you can usually wait until the office opens. If the tooth is sharp to the tongue you can sometimes put some soft wax over the sharp area until you get into the office. If the fracture is a cosmetic emergency we can usually get you in the same day. We don’t want you to wait long and we understand that this too is an emergency!
3. Tooth extractions- These are obviously no one’s favorite but are sometimes needed if the decay or fracture leaves the tooth unable to be restored with dental crowns or root canals.
4. Tooth avulsion (or “knocked out” tooth)- Very gently rinse the tooth (don’t rub it or scrub it!) and place it in a glass of cold milk. Bring it to the office and sometimes we can re-implant it. This must be done quickly!
5. Swollen gums can indicate a gum, or periodontal infection. This can be as easy as (something caught in the gums requiring removal) or a sign of gum disease. Again we try to get you in the same day you contact us!
6. Wisdom teeth—These may need a tooth extraction but sometimes it may only be a gum infection or tooth infection and they can be saved.
7. Tooth decay and ‘rotten teeth”—Often the decay process can get to the point where the teeth become sensitive to touch or sharp to the tongue or cheek. Call right away as sometimes we can minimally place a sedative filling and get you comfortable fast!
8. Broken or fractured dentures—These can usually be repaired in the office on the same day but it is dependent on the particular case.

We can work with your insurance to maximize the benefits due to you. As always — feel comfortable to ask us any questions. Sometimes we can even get you in for a consultation if you have particular concerns!

If you are a new patient please check our section on new patient for office information and to print new patient forms! Call (630) 326-5453 or click here to schedule an appointment.