Emergency Dentist in Chicago

Dealing with dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but being prepared can greatly impact the outcome of your situation before you reach our Chicago dental office.

Tooth Pain: If you have a toothache, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Advil can help alleviate discomfort. Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce inflammation and dislodge any food particles.

Jaw Pain or Swelling: Jaw pain or swelling could indicate an infection or dental abscess. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage swelling. Contact our office immediately as this may require urgent care.

Broken Tooth: If your tooth breaks but you are not in pain or there are no sharp edges, it may not be an emergency. However, contact our office to discuss your symptoms so we can advise you on the next steps.

Lost Crown or Filling: If a crown falls off, try to gently place it back over the tooth. If that is not possible, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment. For a lost filling, contact us as soon as possible to prevent further damage and restore comfort.

Dental Trauma (Knocked-Out Tooth): Time is crucial when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. We have approximately two hours to successfully reimplant it. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and try to gently place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist.

In any emergency, please call our office immediately so we can be prepared for your arrival. Ensure that someone can drive you safely to Best Smiles.

In case of a dental emergency, symptoms may include intense toothache, dislodged or wobbly teeth, fractured or chipped teeth, oral infections, mouth or jaw injuries, and uncontrollable bleeding.

Emergency rooms can offer temporary relief for dental pain or trauma, but they usually recommend patients to see a dentist for further treatment. Dentists are better equipped and trained to handle dental issues more efficiently.

If you have a dental emergency outside of regular office hours, most dental offices provide after-hours support or emergency contact numbers. Contact your dentist's office for guidance or to be connected with an emergency provider if you have an urgent issue.

Different insurance plans have varying coverage for emergency dental care. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider to understand what services are included, such as urgent exams or tooth repairs, and whether they are covered under your plan.

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth every day, refrain from using your teeth to open things or chew on hard objects like ice, wear a mouthguard when playing sports, and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Taking care of your teeth proactively can help prevent unexpected dental issues.