Emergency Dental Care from Chapko & Shah
Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and when they do, it’s essential to have a reliable emergency dentist that you can count on to provide prompt and effective treatment. At Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, our Belvidere dentists and dental staff understand the importance of dental emergencies and the impact they can have on your overall oral health and well-being. That’s why we offer emergency dentistry services, so patients can get back to eating, speaking, and smiling without pain as soon as possible.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry refers to the treatment of dental emergencies that require immediate attention to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Dental emergencies can include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, bleeding, and swelling in the mouth. Our emergency dentistry services provide prompt and effective treatment to help you feel comfortable and get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
How to Handle Dental Emergencies Before Seeing a Dentist
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s essential to know what to do in these situations to minimize pain and prevent further damage. Here are some tips on how to handle common dental emergencies until you can see a dentist:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover any sharp edges that may be cutting your tongue or cheeks. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to the dentist as soon as possible.
Object Stuck in Teeth
Use dental floss to gently remove the object. Do not use sharp or pointed objects, as they may damage your teeth or gums.
Abscess
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid touching the abscess or attempting to drain it yourself, as this can lead to infection.
It’s essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible if you experience any dental emergency. Contact Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry in Belvidere, IL, for emergency dental services and comprehensive dental care.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect that you have a broken jaw, there are a few steps you can take to manage the pain and swelling until you can see a professional. Firstly, use a cold compress on the affected area to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel or cloth and hold it against your jaw for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
Keep your jaw as still as possible to avoid aggravating the injury. This may involve holding your jaw closed or using a soft brace to keep it in place. Lastly, to avoid further injury, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t put stress on your jaw. Avoid hard or chewy foods, such as nuts, candies, or gum.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, you can take steps to prevent them from occurring. This includes:
- Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
- Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods that can damage your teeth
- Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, following these preventive measures can reduce the risk of experiencing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you experience a dental emergency outside of regular business hours, call our office and leave a message with your name, phone number, and the nature of your emergency. Our on-call dentist will get back to you as soon as possible and provide further instructions on how to proceed. You should also visit the emergency room, as a doctor can help you keep damage to a minimum until you can visit our dental professionals.
Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to alleviate the pain associated with a toothache. However, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a dentist if the pain persists or worsens.
Even if a dental emergency seems minor, it’s essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and more severe pain.
If you have a dental emergency while traveling, seek professional dental care as soon as possible. If you can’t see a dentist immediately, follow the tips mentioned earlier to handle the emergency until you can see a dentist. That means avoiding hard foods, taking pain medication as needed, and seeing a medical professional who can help you control the pain and keep damage to a minimum until you see a dentist.
