What to Do in a Dental Emergency Near Palos Park, IL

Posted on by Aalyiah Heath
Sheehan Dental in Palos Park: same-day appointments for urgent dental care needs. Emergency Dentist

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

 

Bleeding gums? Knocked out tooth? Dental abscess?

First, contact your dentist immediately to inform him/her of the situation. If your local dentist lives far from you, searching for “24-hour emergency dentist Palos Park” or “same-day dentist appointment Palos Park” should help.

Next, you need to take care of a couple of things first to save time and prevent complications.

Time is of the essence, so we’ll discuss the 4 most common dental emergencies and the steps you should take in a dental emergency.

Common Dental Emergencies & Immediate Action to Take

Common Dental Emergencies & Immediate Action to Take

Every dental emergency varies, and depending on the nature and severity, you have to take immediate but appropriate steps to alleviate the situation.

If any of these describe your situation, follow the steps below accordingly.

  • Dental abscess
  • Knocked out tooth
  • Chipped or broken tooth
  • Severe toothache and swollen gums

Knocked-Out Tooth: 

  1. Handle with care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface). Avoid touching the root to prevent damage.
  2. Rinse gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
  3. Keep the tooth moist: Place the tooth in a container of milk or a tooth preservation product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  4. Seek immediate dental care: Visit an emergency dentist in Palos Park within 30 minutes to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Dental Abscess:

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in your teeth or gums due to a bacterial infection. It’s important to seek prompt dental care if you suspect you have one. Here’s what you need to know:

Dental Abscess Symptoms:

  • Severe, persistent toothache (throbbing pain)
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
  • Swelling in your face or cheek   
  • Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
  • A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures   
  • Fever

Why Immediate Dental Abscess Care is Important:

A dental abscess won’t go away on its own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your body, including your jaw, neck, and even your brain. In rare cases, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

Common Dental Abscess Treatment:

A dentist will typically treat a dental abscess by:
  • Draining the abscess.
  • Performing a root canal.
  • Extracting the affected tooth.
  • Prescribing antibiotics.

Dental Abscess Prevention Tips:

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care in the Palos Park Area:

  • If you have a fever over 101°F (38.3°C), or notice red streaks on your skin or swollen lymph nodes, contact your local dentist immediately.
  • If you notice red streaks on your skin.
  • If you have swollen lymph nodes.

>These symptoms can indicate that the infection is spreading and requires urgent attention.

In addition, follow these steps for pain relief and prevent infection:

  1. Rinse with Warm Saltwater: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
  2. Apply a Cold Compress: Hold a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth against the swollen area for 10–15 minutes at a time to ease any discomfort.
  3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If the pain is unbearable, taking Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and fever.
  4. Avoid Hot, Cold, or Sugary Foods in the meantime: These can worsen sensitivity and pain. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods until you get treatment.

>Important: Do NOT pop the abscess. This will only worsen the infection, leading to more pain.

Severe Toothache & Swollen Gums

Persistent tooth pain and gum swelling can indicate underlying issues:

  1. Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to cleanse your mouth. This will help remove any debris and soothe the area.
  2. Floss to remove any food particle lodged in between teeth: Remove any food particles lodged between teeth that might be causing irritation.
  3. Apply cold compress: Place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  4. Avoid painkillers on gums: Do not place aspirin or other painkillers directly against gums, as this can burn the tissue.
  5. Contact your dentist: Seek professional evaluation to address the root cause of the pain.

Chipped or Broken Tooth Urgency

  1. Save any broken tooth fragment/s: Collect any broken fragments and rinse them.
  2. Rinse your mouth: Clean the area with warm water to remove debris.
  3. Stop the bleeding: Apply gauze to the affected area for about 10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
  4. Apply cold compress: Reduce swelling by placing a cold compress on the cheek near the injury.
  5. Visit your dentist: Prompt dental care can repair the tooth and prevent infection.

When to See an Emergency Dentist in Palos Park

When to See an Emergency Dentist in Palos Park

Recognizing when to seek emergency dental care is vital:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding: Persistent bleeding after a dental injury requires immediate attention.
  • Severe pain: Intense tooth or gum pain may signal serious conditions.
  • Signs of infection: Swelling, fever, and pus around a tooth or gums indicate infection needing prompt treatment.
  • Lost dental restorations: Missing fillings or crowns can expose sensitive areas and should be addressed quickly.

In Palos Park, several dental clinics offer emergency services. For instance, Sheehan Dental provides same-day appointments for dental emergencies.

Cost & Insurance for Emergency Dental Care

Financial considerations are a common concern during dental emergencies:

  • Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans cover emergency treatments. Review your policy to understand specific benefits.
  • Payment Options: Clinics may offer payment plans or financing to manage unexpected expenses.
  • Preventive Measures: Regular dental check-ups can prevent emergencies, potentially reducing long-term costs.

Why Choose Sheehan Dental for Urgent Care?

Sheehan Dental stands out as a premier choice for emergency dental services near Palos Park:

  • Emergency-Ready Team: We’re equipped to handle everything from severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth and tooth infections—fast, effective relief when you need it most.
  • Top-quality dental care and restorative services: We focus on providing premium dental care along with the help of state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best and stress-free results.
  • 24/7 Emergency Services: Need urgent dental care? We offer same-day appointments and after-hours emergency support in Palos Park.
  • Family-Friendly Approach: Your pain relief and peace of mind are our top priorities. We provide compassionate, stress-free emergency treatment tailored for all ages.

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies: Best Practices

Palos Park IL Dental Emergencies: Best Practices

Dental emergencies are unavoidable. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. These won’t provide immediate dental pain relief, but urgent care for teeth is always a priority.

Below is a list of best practices to prevent swollen gums and tooth pain:

    • Use a High-Fluoride or Antimicrobial toothpaste: Stick to brands like Sensodyne, Paradontax, or Oral B to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Keep in mind that the minimum for adults is 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. Oral health is key in preventing infections.
  • Switch to a water flosser for deeper pockets: Water flossers are ideal for anyone with deeper pockets that regular floss can’t reach. For implants, bridges, and crowns, it’s highly recommended to use a water flosser.
  • Rinse with saltwater instead of warm water: Salt water promotes gum healing and reduces swelling. If your gums are prone to swelling, for example, salt water can significantly reduce inflammation and aid in preventing infections.
  • Talk to your dentist about Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements: Vitamin D3 is linked to gum disease, while Vitamin K2 boosts calcium in your teeth. Taking these supplements acts as extra protection and preventive measure against infections and gum-related diseases.
  • Stay away from alcohol-based mouthwashes: If you notice your gums are drier than normal, alcohol based mouthwashes make it worse. Opt for a pH-balancing or probiotic mouthwash. Aloe vera mouthwashes are also effective. Talking to your local dentist about the best options also helps.

FAQs About Dental Emergencies

  1. Can I go to the ER for a tooth emergency?

Going to the ER can help reduce swelling and you’ll most likely be prescribed antibiotics, but this won’t solve the root cause of your toothache or infection.

It is strongly encouraged to visit an emergency dentist for definitive care.

  1. What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse it gently, and attempt to place it back in its socket. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in milk and contact your local dentist immediately.

The American Association of Endodontists also provides additional guidelines for a knocked out tooth.

  1. When is tooth pain considered a dental emergency?

The most obvious signs or symptoms of tooth pain dental emergency are swelling and redness, which could mean an infection.

Tooth pain that lasts for more than a day or two is also considered a dental emergency. If the tooth pain is accompanied by bleeding, pus, or abscess, this is considered a serious infection and should be checked immediately.

  1. How to stop bleeding from a dental injury?

First, make sure your hands are clean to prevent any infection. Then, apply a clean gauze between the wound and tooth or wherever the bleeding is.

Hold it in place for 10 to 15 minutes, and make sure the gauze isn’t completely soaked. If necessary, replace with a new gauze.

If bleeding persists beyond 10-15 minutes, seek emergency dental care.

  1. Are same-day dentist appointments available in Palos Park?

Yes, Sheehan Dental provides same-day appointments for urgent dental care needs.

Emergency Dentist Palos Park, IL

Call Sheehan Dental in Palos Park, IL at 708-928-8269 to schedule a same-day appointment immediately!

Note: We are closed on Wednesdays and Fridays.