If you are experiencing a dental emergency and it is during regular office hours, contact us at (847) 920–7193.
We try our best to respond to all dental emergencies as quickly as possible. We set aside time each day to treat patients with emergency dental needs. Please call our Fox Lake Dentist office as early in the day as possible so that we can work you into our schedule.
Dental Emergency Care
Dental emergencies or pain in the mouth should not be ignored. Addressing any problems immediately will prevent permanent or costly damage. Common dental emergencies include toothache, pain in the teeth, jaw or gums, broken teeth, knocked out teeth, broken fillings, and swelling in the gums or mouth.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A….
Knocked-out tooth – Contact us immediately. Retrieve the tooth, if possible, holding it by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth). If the tooth is dirty, rinse the root in water, but do not scrub or remove attached tissue fragments. Knocked-out teeth have the highest survival rate if they are returned to the socket within one hour of being knocked out.
Lost Filling or Crown – Contact us as soon as possible. Do not use temporary measures to replace the dental filling or re-cement the dental crown. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin may ease discomfort.
Toothache – Contact us as soon as possible. Toothaches are caused by a number of things. First, try rinsing your mouth with warm water or flossing to remove any lodged food. If you are experiencing swelling in the surrounding tissue, a cold compress may be applied to the outside of the mouth or cheek.
Abscess – Contact us immediately. An abscess is a serious condition that can worsen with time and spread the infection to the rest of your body. Rinsing with a mild saltwater solution may help to ease discomfort and draw the pus to the surface of the gum tissue.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur at any time and impact people of all ages. Trauma is the common cause of dental emergencies, but there are ways to help prevent the sudden onset of infection or to reduce your risk for damaged teeth.
Dr. Prendergast will alert you to any risk factors you may have for dental problems that should be addressed with treatment for specific oral hygiene products during routine dental visits. Regular dental care is important and can help you avoid infection or sudden tooth pain as a result of infection or damage.
We also recommend the use of a custom-fit sports mouthguard for both children and adults. Contact sports can put anyone at risk for tooth damage or even a knocked-out tooth. Custom sports mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth and gums from blows to the face while participating in sports. They will remain firmly in place during any fast-paced sporting event. Dr. Prendergast can fit patients of all ages for a custom mouth guard for sports.
While this doesn’t prevent emergencies, when they happen, it’s nice to be prepared. Putting together a dental emergency kit can help makes things go smoothly. Pack together things like Orajel, ibuprofen, sterile gloves, cotton, and gauze in case something happens. If know you have these things on hand and you’re ready to handle an emergency, it can help you keep calm at the moment when it does happen.