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.
Dr. Winnie Wilson
Dr. Winnie Wilson is a dedicated dentist with a rich background in general dentistry, particularly passionate about treating children. After completing her dentistry education in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the
University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gupta is committed to building meaningful relationships with families through exceptional care at Pleasant Dental. Her approach emphasizes trust and quality service. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Chicago's diverse culinary scene, embodying a well-rounded and trustworthy professional dedicated to her patients' well-being.
Dr. Sneha Naik
Dr. Sneha Naik is a compassionate dentist with over 12 years of experience, having graduated from
NYU College of Dentistry. in 2012 and completed her residency in Brooklyn, NY. She is well-regarded for her warm demeanor and clear communication, helping patients understand their dental care options. For the past decade, Dr. Naik has been a trusted member of the Chicago community, building lasting relationships with families. Originally from North Carolina, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating art, and cooking. Her dedication to patient care and approachable nature highlight her expertise and trustworthiness in dentistry.
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