We are not open 24 hours per day, but we will do everything we can to get you the treatment you need when you need it during our business hours. This would especially apply to situations such as:
- A tooth that has been chipped, cracked, or knocked out due to injury
- An infected tooth or infected gums
- Unbearable dental pain
- Any dental issue that could threaten your health
- Any dental issue that could cause you to lose teeth
If we can’t provide the treatment you need, we can help refer you to a medical specialist who can. And as always, if you have a medical emergency, it might be best to err on the side of caution and visit an emergency room or call 911.
What Should I Do Until I Receive Medical Help?
There are some things you can do to increase the chances of saving your teeth:
Knocked-Out Tooth
Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible. If you cannot, put the tooth in a cup of milk or water. It would be best never to attempt to scrub the tooth clean as this could damage it. If the tooth is dirty, you can rinse it clean but try only to touch the tooth crown, as you could damage sensitive tissues in the root area by touching them.
Chipped Tooth
If you have a small chip, there is not much you can do besides rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to any swelling. We have solutions such as dental bonding, which can help restore the tooth shape after a small chip. If the chip is large, try to find the tooth fragment and bring it to your appointment. If we get to it fast enough, we might be able to reattach the chip.
Toothache
You can rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out and apply a cold compress to any swelling. You might also want to take ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling. If the pain persists, please call us as you might have an infection that requires antibiotics.
Infection
If you have an infection, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Infections can quickly become severe and even life-threatening if you don’t treat them promptly. Symptoms of an infection include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Pain in the face, jaw, or teeth
- An abscess (a pus-filled pocket)
If you have any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately.
What Happens During an Emergency Dentistry Appointment?
We will first assess the situation during your appointment and determine what need we need to do. We will then take x-rays if necessary and clean the area. If you have a knocked-out tooth, we will try to reattach it. If you have an infection, we may start you on a course of antibiotics. We will also go over what you need to do to take care of your teeth at home and how to prevent future dental emergencies.
Don’t Wait for Emergency Treatment in Naperville, IL
Time is of the essence when it comes to dental emergencies!
We understand that dental emergencies can be very stressful, so we will do everything to help. Dr. Nicholas P. Primiano and Dr. Diane M. Mach can provide the emergency treatment you need to save your teeth, relieve your pain and get you back on track to health.
Call us as soon as possible.