07
Nov
Easing the pain: Home care and emergency dentistry for Calumet City, IL residents
People may seek emergency dental care due to health concerns, difficulty eating, or even cosmetic reasons if a very important event is imminent. Although we each have a different definition of emergencies, one thing is virtually universal. Excruciating pain cannot be ignored.
Sudden and severe pain may accompany injuries to the teeth or gums. Other times, an unexpected toothache might leave you puzzled. Some of the most common causes of dental pain include:
- Deep cavities or loose fillings can expose the nerve, causing pain when it contacts food.
- Damage to the nerve, or infection inside of the tooth, can result in extreme sensitivity to temperature or pressure.
- An abscess is an infection pocket in the gums or at the end of the tooth root. It can cause severe pain and swelling, which may affect your face. An abscessed tooth is a serious concern, and it should be seen by a dentist.
- Food or an object wedged between your teeth can make them sore.
First aid for toothaches and other dental pain
The first thing that you should do is call us and schedule an appointment. If it is an emergency, we will see you as soon as possible, usually the same day. Until you can make it to our office, there are ways to ease the pain and improve your comfort:
- Over the counter pain medications are helpful, but be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage unless directed by a doctor.
- Use a warm saltwater (one tsp. per cup) rinse every hour. In case of infection, this can soothe the gums.
- Brush and floss if you suspect there are food particles in a cavity causing the pain.
- Apply clove oil or an over the counter dental anesthetic product to the painful area.
- Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages.
Emergency dental treatment
When you visit Pleasant Dental® , Dr. Dietrich will begin with an examination, probably including x-rays. Many toothaches are caused by untreated cavities, or old, loose fillings, which can be treated the same day. If the damage is too extensive for a filling, the doctor will likely recommend a crown. It takes a couple of weeks to get the crown from the laboratory, but you will be provided with a temporary one in the meantime. An infected tooth may need a root canal. In this case, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics first, to relieve pressure inside of the tooth for a comfortable procedure.
Our office is located in Dolton, just a few minutes from Calumet City, IL. If you need emergency dentistry, call (708) 576-1900.
Dean Dietrich, DMD
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
