What is an orthodontic dental emergency?

An orthodontic emergency is when you are experiencing intense pain beyond the normal soreness after your braces are tightened. Broken wires or brackets are also orthodontic emergencies.

What types of treatments do you use for dental emergencies?

Dental emergency treatments vary, depending on the needs of each patient. Common treatment options include dental fillings, crowns, extractions, gum treatments, antibiotics, and more.

How do I save a knocked-out tooth?

Carefully pick up the knocked-out tooth by the crown – avoid touching the root of the tooth. The tooth should be placed in a cup of milk and brought to your emergency appointment.

What should I do if I have an orthodontic dental emergency?

Please call our office as soon as possible if you have an orthodontic dental emergency. We can usually offer a same-day appointment to correct the problem and alleviate your pain and discomfort.

Emergency Dental Services in Wheeling, IL

Emergency Dental Services in Wheeling, IL

At NextGen Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be unexpected and distressing. Our top priority is to provide immediate, effective, and compassionate care to alleviate pain and address any urgent dental issues you may be facing. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a broken or chipped tooth, or a more serious problem like an abscess or knocked-out tooth, our experienced team is here to help you quickly.

We’re committed to ensuring that you receive the best possible care in a timely manner. Our state-of-the-art facilities and skilled dental professionals enable us to quickly diagnose and treat a wide range of dental emergencies, ensuring that your oral health is restored with minimal disruption to your life.

smiling women visiting a emergency dentist

When is it Time to Call for Dental Emergency Services?

If damage has occurred to your teeth or gums, or you are experiencing pain and discomfort, then it is time to call us. When an injury occurs, there is a short window of time in which the tooth can be saved. So, don’t delay a phone call to our office to talk to a dentist. Common dental emergencies include:

Pain anywhere in the mouth
Toothache
Broken filling
Chipped tooth
Broken or loose crown
Injured gums
Bleeding that won’t stop

It doesn’t matter if you have a small or serious concern about your dental problem. Our experienced emergency dentist is just a phone call away and ready to provide the quality care you need.

Why Choose NextGen Dental for Your Emergency Care?

Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our dental professionals are highly trained in handling all types of emergencies with a focus on patient comfort and outcomes.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide efficient and effective care.
Convenient Location: Our centrally located office makes it easy to access emergency dental care when time is of the essence.

Types of Dental Emergencies We Handle

Severe Tooth Pain: Sudden and intense tooth pain can be a sign of a serious issue such as an infection, abscess, or advanced decay. We prioritize same-day appointments to relieve your pain and address the underlying cause.
Broken or Chipped Teeth: Accidents that result in broken or chipped teeth require prompt attention to prevent further damage or infection. We provide emergency restorations to save your tooth and restore your smile. If the tooth or tooth fragment can be located, save it! Place the fragment into a small bag containing saliva , saline, or milk to help keep it hydrated.
Knocked-Out Teeth: Time is critical when a tooth is knocked out. By preserving the tooth in a moist environment (milk, saline, or saliva) and seeing us immediately, we can often reimplant the tooth successfully. Reimplanted teeth will require splinting and monitoring.
Dental Abscesses and Infections: Dental abscesses are painful infections that can cause serious complications if not treated promptly. Symptoms include swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
Lost Fillings or Crowns: Losing a filling or crown can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity. We offer quick repairs to protect your tooth and prevent discomfort. Crowns/Veneers that have been knocked out should be brought in to the appointment.
Broken Dentures: For patients who rely on dentures, a break can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. We provide services to repair or restore the function and appearance of your dentures.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue can be painful and may require immediate care to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Services?

Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and preserve your oral health. If you’ve sustained any damage to your teeth or gums, or if you’re experiencing pain and discomfort, it’s imperative to reach out to us immediately. Delaying treatment can reduce the chances of saving a damaged tooth and may lead to more serious health issues. Here’s a detailed look at common dental emergencies that require prompt attention:

Severe Tooth Pain or Toothache: Persistent or intense pain in a tooth often indicates underlying issues such as decay, infection, or an abscess. Toothaches that wake you up at night or that last hours are a serious concern. This discomfort can interfere with daily activities like eating and speaking. Seeking immediate care can alleviate pain and address the root cause effectively.
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Accidents, falls, or biting down on hard objects can lead to fractures or chips in your teeth. Even minor damage can expose the inner layers of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection and sensitivity. Prompt treatment can restore the tooth’s integrity and appearance.
Lost or Broken Filling: Fillings restore teeth damaged by decay. If a filling becomes loose or falls out, the affected tooth is left vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity. Immediate replacement prevents bacteria from entering the cavity and causing more significant issues.
Dislodged or Loose Crown: Crowns protect and strengthen damaged teeth. If a crown becomes loose or falls off, the underlying tooth structure is exposed, making it susceptible to damage and discomfort. Quick re-cementation or replacement ensures continued protection. Waiting too long to recement a crown can effect the seating of crown and the position of the adjacent teeth.
Gum Injuries: Cuts, lacerations, or trauma to the gums can result from various incidents, including sports injuries or accidental bites. Such injuries can lead to bleeding, swelling, and increased risk of infection. Immediate attention helps in proper healing and prevents complications.
Uncontrolled Bleeding: Any bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t cease with gentle pressure is a cause for concern. It could result from trauma, extraction sites, or underlying health conditions. Addressing uncontrolled bleeding promptly is vital to prevent excessive blood loss and identify potential systemic issues.

Regardless of whether your dental concern seems minor or severe, our dedicated emergency dental team is just a phone call away. We’re committed to providing the quality care you need to alleviate pain, address the issue, and restore your oral health. Don’t hesitate—reach out to us immediately for prompt and professional assistance.

Emergency Dental Treatments

At NextGen Dental & Orthodontics, we prioritize both immediate relief and long-term care when addressing dental emergencies. Our two primary goals are to quickly stop any bleeding and alleviate pain, ensuring your immediate comfort. After stabilizing the situation, we focus on developing a treatment plan that minimizes future complications and promotes lasting recovery.

When you contact us for an emergency appointment, our team provides prompt assistance over the phone. We assess the severity of your situation, offer immediate care advice, and schedule an appointment for further treatment. These initial recommendations may include steps to control bleeding or protect a damaged tooth until you can visit our office.

If you’re dealing with dental pain or trauma, it’s crucial to reach out to our team without delay. We’re fully prepared to provide the emergency services you need to protect your oral health and well-being.

Key Aspects of Our Emergency Dental Care:

Immediate Pain Relief and Bleeding Control: Our first priority is to ensure your comfort by stopping any bleeding and managing pain. This is crucial in stabilizing the situation and preventing further complications. Medications may be prescribed to help with infections or inflammation.
Customized Treatment Plans: After addressing the immediate concerns, we assess the damage and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at preventing long-term issues. This could involve restorative procedures, pain management strategies, or preventive measures.
Emergency Phone Support: From the moment you contact us, our team is ready to provide guidance. We evaluate your emergency over the phone, offer immediate care tips, and arrange an appointment based on the severity of your condition.
Expert Care for All Emergencies: Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, trauma, or another dental emergency, our skilled team is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental issues with professionalism and care.

Remember, quick action is essential in dental emergencies to prevent complications and preserve your oral health. Don’t hesitate to contact NextGen Dental & Orthodontics for prompt and effective emergency dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency involves situations requiring immediate care to alleviate severe pain, bleeding, or saving a tooth. Examples include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken or chipped teeth, and dental abscesses. Symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding are clear indicators that you should seek emergency dental care. Even if you're uncertain whether your situation is an emergency, it’s better to act quickly and consult with our dental team. Prompt action can prevent complications and increase the chances of a full recovery.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

If a tooth is knocked out, swift action is crucial. First, handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the top part) to avoid damaging the root. Rinse it gently with cool water, without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saline solution. As a last resort saliva may also be used. Contact our office immediately for emergency care. The minutes count, you must be seen ASAP, do not wait hours. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth.

How can I manage severe tooth pain before I get to the dentist?

Severe tooth pain can be debilitating and needs prompt attention. While awaiting your emergency appointment, you can manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and Tylenol. Unless your primary care physician has advised against using these medications, a combination of ibuprofen and tylenol is more effective in immediate short term pain relief than either medication alone. It is recommended that the medications are alternated every 4 hours. Each individual medication is taken every 8 hours. Alternating every 4 hours between medications results in better pain control through out the day and decreases the risk of side effects from over using a single medication. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Remember, these are only temporary measures—seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential to address the root cause of the pain. Just because the pain has stopped does not mean the problem has gone away.

What should I do if I break or chip a tooth?

In the event of a broken or chipped tooth, first, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you can find the broken pieces, save them and bring them to your dental appointment. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth near the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Avoid chewing on the injured side of your mouth. Contact us immediately to arrange for emergency dental care to repair the damage and prevent further complications.

What happens if I lose a filling or crown?

Losing a filling or crown can expose your tooth to further damage and sensitivity, increasing the risk of decay or infection. While waiting for your dental appointment, you can protect the exposed tooth by applying dental cement (available at most pharmacies) or sugarless gum over the area. Avoid eating on the affected side and keep the area clean. It’s important to have the filling or crown replaced as soon as possible to restore the tooth’s function and protect it from further damage.

What should I do if I break or chip a tooth?

Are dental abscesses dangerous?

Yes, dental abscesses are serious infections that require immediate attention. An abscess typically presents with severe pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth due to pus drainage. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Emergency dental care is essential to drain the abscess, treat the infection, and prevent further health risks.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental issue?

While emergency rooms can provide temporary relief for dental issues by prescribing painkillers and antibiotics, they are not equipped to address the underlying dental problems. ER doctors can help with initial pain management and stopping bleeding, but they lack the specialized tools and expertise needed for comprehensive dental treatment. It’s best to visit a dentist who can provide the appropriate care for your dental emergency.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Prevention is the best way to avoid dental emergencies. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to identify and treat potential issues before they become serious. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, help maintain strong, healthy teeth. Additionally, wearing mouthguards during sports can protect your teeth from trauma, and avoiding chewing on hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels can prevent cracks or chips. Addressing minor dental problems early on can also prevent them from escalating into emergencies.

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Will my insurance cover emergency dental services?

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency visits, though the extent of coverage can vary depending on the specific plan and the nature of the emergency. Commonly covered services include treatment for toothaches, infections, and repairs of broken teeth. It’s important to review your insurance policy or speak with our office staff to understand your coverage. Providing us with your dental insurance when you call will help us determine your coverage. We can help you navigate your insurance benefits and ensure you receive the necessary care without unexpected expenses.

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How much will emergency dental care cost?

The cost of emergency dental care can vary widely depending on the severity of the issue and the treatment required. Common costs include examination fees, X-rays, and the cost of specific treatments like fillings, crowns, or extractions. At NextGen Dental, we offer transparent pricing and provide an estimate during your consultation. For those without insurance, we offer flexible payment options to ensure that you receive the necessary care without financial strain.