There are two kinds of dental emergencies: those that occur suddenly, like a knocked-out tooth, and those that develop slowly over time, such as a severe toothache. In either case, getting immediate attention is the key to preventing a bad problem from becoming much worse. If you find yourself in a stressful dental dilemma, it’s important to have someone reliable on your side to walk you through the situation and ease your worries. That’s what we’re here to do! We want to save your tooth and keep your oral health in tip-top shape by giving you quick care that you can count on. Even in the most dire-seeming situation, you can depend on our team of dental professionals at Plum Grove Family Dental!
Why Choose Plum Grove Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Available on Evenings and Weekends
Advanced Dental Technology
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Your grin will be in good hands if you call our office for emergency dental care. Here’s how we typically handle urgent dental issues:
Same-Day Appointment: There’s no time to lose in a dental emergency; thus, when you call our office, we’ll often set up an appointment on the same day. To make sure your smile stays safe in the meantime, our team can give you some over-the-phone first-aid advice.
Emergency Exam: Before we can treat your dental emergency, we have to understand what it is first. We’ll look at your teeth closely and take whatever X-rays we need. Naturally, we’ll also do what we can to reduce your pain.
Review Findings: We’ll give you a brief overview of what we found during our examination and what can be done to address the problem. When we recommend a treatment, we’ll also give you an estimate of how much it will cost.
Get the Care You Need: Your treatment plan might include dental crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, and other procedures. Whatever your needs are, we’ll do whatever is necessary to stop your pain and maintain your oral health.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
No matter what kind of dental emergency you have, it needs to be treated right away; waiting could lead to further problems that require more complex forms of care. Contact our office right away if you notice signs of any of the following dental health issues. The sooner your smile can be treated by an expert, the better.
Depending on the severity of your issue and what services you need, the cost of emergency dentistry in Rolling Meadows will vary. At Plum Grove Family Dental, we don’t want our patients to feel like they can’t get the care they need without breaking their monthly budget, which is why we happily accept dental PPO insurance plans from any provider. We also offer in-house payment plans as well as additional financing options with little to no interest. If you find yourself in a pickle, don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be more than happy to help make sure you get the high-quality care you need. Remember, it’s always better to come and see us as soon as possible so we can quickly address the problem before it worsens.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Most dental emergency visits are not as costly as you might think. When faced with a sudden injury, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how much it will cost just to see a professional for help. Of course, if you try to put off your visit because you fear you won’t have enough to pay for it, you’re only going to put yourself at greater risk for more serious oral health problems. By scheduling an appointment with us, we can determine the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment options. The most common include everything from antibiotics and dental crowns to root canal therapy and tooth extractions.
You can trust that our dental team will provide a thorough explanation as to how we plan to treat your problem area as well as how much you can expect it to cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Some dental insurance companies will agree to cover one emergency exam each year, but you’ll need to check with yours to find out if this is the case. Also, if you’ve met your deductible and you’ve yet to use much or any of your annual maximum, your insurance company may agree to pay anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost. This can all become quite overwhelming if you’re unsure how to navigate your dental insurance policy, which is why we have plenty of people who can help.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
To help make sure your visit remains affordable, our emergency dentist in Rolling Meadows also offers an in-house payment plan or flexible financing with CareCredit. If you are eligible, you can qualify for a low or zero-interest payment plan. This allows you to break up the cost of your care into manageable monthly installments for a more stress-free experience.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Many dental emergencies are not entirely preventable. However, if you have a toothache that has been bothering you for quite some time and it’s now causing you to experience worsening oral health problems, it may be more costly to deal with it now than it would have been if it was addressed during its early stages.
If you wait to seek help because you’re worried it will cost too much, you’ll be faced with the realization that the more extensive and complex the treatment, the higher the price. By taking proper care of your teeth and gums daily, you can reduce your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, missing teeth, bad breath, and a host of overall health issues.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies aren’t completely avoidable, but there are some precautionary measures you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing them. By implementing the habits below in your daily life, you can keep your oral health in tip-top shape and possibly avoid a stressful dilemma:
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
The most important preventive measure you can take is to visit Dr. Wang every six months for your dental checkups and cleanings. This way, she can treat the small issues before they have a chance to progress and turn into an emergency. Your dental hygienist will also gently remove harmful substances, like plaque, in an effort to reduce your risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other serious oral health issues moving forward.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Another important best practice is taking good care of your smile at home. The first step? Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. From there, incorporate other good habits, like flossing and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash each evening before bed. That way, food particles, plaque, and other debris aren’t left to linger on your teeth, decreasing your chances of dental damage.
Stick to a Nutritious, Well-Balanced Diet
Something that patients often overlook is their consumption of added sugar. Although delicious, caramel-filled candies, ice cream, and other sugary snacks can negatively impact your oral health in more ways than one. That’s why we recommend opting for nutritious, well-balanced foods the majority of the time, like fresh fruits, healthy fats, and cooked vegetables. It’s also important to drink lots of water to help remove food particles from your teeth and prevent dry mouth.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
There’s a common misconception that you only need to wear a mouthguard if you play a contact sport, like football. The reality is that your teeth could be injured during a non-contact sport, like rollerblading, as well. So, you need to wear a mouthguard any time you’re active.
Tip: Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? Don’t wait – get an appointment with us on the calendar so we can have a custom nightguard made for you, reducing your risk of dental damage in the process.
Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
Be honest… If you’re having trouble opening something with your hands, do you use your teeth? Do you put your keys in your mouth when your hands are full? Do you use your teeth to remove bottle caps? If you answered “yes,” then you’re at-risk of experiencing a serious dental injury, like a crack in your enamel. So, make an effort to break bad habits like these now. It could save you from needing same-day care!
Dental Emergency FAQs
So far, you have an idea of how we treat dental emergencies, you know some important cost-related information, and you have some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth and gums from harm. But what if you still have a few questions on your mind? Then you can read on to learn the answers to FAQs about emergency dentistry!
What does chronic bad breath mean?
If there seems to be a persistent odor on your breath, it may be due to your diet. Drinking acidic beverages (like coffee) and eating pungent foods (like onions) can result in chronic bad breath, so start by adjusting what you consume. Of course, it’s also important to quit unhealthy dental habits that can negatively impact your breath, like smoking. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our Rolling Meadows dental team. We’ll take X-rays and conduct an exam to determine if an untreated oral health issue is the root of the problem.
My chipped tooth doesn’t hurt. Do I still need to visit?
If your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, then you should be safe waiting a day or two for an appointment. However, we don’t recommend going longer than that without an exam. After all, your tooth could be at risk of chipping further or developing an infection, even if you’re not in pain.
What is causing my jaw pain?
Most often, jaw pain is the result of impacted wisdom teeth, TMJ dysfunction, or chronic teeth grinding. The good news is that our Rolling Meadows dental team can help you pinpoint the root of the problem and help you find a solution! So, if your discomfort persists for more than 24 hours, it’s severe enough that you’re having trouble sleeping, or you’re experiencing other abnormal dental symptoms, like pain when biting down, call us ASAP.
Can superglue be used to repair broken dentures?
Under no circumstances should glue (or any other household adhesive) be used to repair your broken denture. In fact, even at-home denture repair kits can’t effectively restore your restoration. Ultimately, the best thing to do is get an appointment with us on the calendar and store your restoration somewhere safe in the meantime, like a small, clean container.
Should knocked-out teeth be placed in water?
Since placing your tooth in water won’t preserve the root, the answer is “no.” Instead, you should submerge it in a clean container of milk or saline solution. You can also see if the tooth will slide back into the socket without any force.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
If you can’t come in for a same-day appointment, then you can use the following tips to help you sleep with tooth pain:
Stick to soft foods that aren’t sugary, acidic, or spicy during dinner, like plain yogurt
Take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes before bed
Use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time to alleviate swelling
Keep your head elevated while you sleep by propping up a few pillows
Toothaches
Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?
If your toothache has persisted for more than 24 hours, there is a pimple-like bump on your gums, you’re experiencing pain when biting down, or the tooth in question looks discolored, then you should absolutely call us to schedule an appointment with our Rolling Meadows emergency dentist. That way, we can conduct an exam and determine if an untreated oral health issue is the source.
How You Should Handle a Toothache
One of the worst things you can do is cross your fingers and hope that your tooth heals on its own. Instead, schedule an appointment with our team and take proactive measures to prevent additional dental damage in the meantime, like rinsing with warm saltwater and not chewing on that side of your mouth. If you’re in pain, you can also take OTC pain medication as directed or place a cold compress against your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.
How We Treat Toothaches
To assess the source and severity of the damage, we need to take X-rays and examine your tooth. At this point, we can determine what the next best steps are, such as using a dental crown to treat a cavity or root canal therapy to address an infection.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Since chipped teeth have the potential to negatively impact multiple aspects of your smile – from the look and health to the function – we recommend calling us. Even if you don’t need to come into our Rolling Meadows dental office for treatment the very same day, we can provide you with instructions on what to do until your appointment.
How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth
Similar to a cracked tooth, you want to be very careful to prevent additional damage. Don’t eat anything crunchy, place some sugar-free gum over the tooth to protect it in the short-term, and take an OTC pain reliever to alleviate any discomfort you’re experiencing.
How We Treat Chipped Teeth
Although our treatment recommendations will depend on the size of the chip, the location of the tooth, and other important factors, dental bonding and veneers are typically options.
Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Yes! Even if the crack in your tooth is small and isn’t causing you any pain, you shouldn’t wait to schedule an appointment with our Rolling Meadows dental team. Remember, the longer you wait to call, the more likely it is that your tooth will split further.
How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth
Priority number one is protecting your tooth from additional damage. That’s why we recommend not chewing on that side of your mouth. Rinsing with clean, lukewarm water can also help rinse away bacteria and keep the area clean. Again, if you’re experiencing a lot of discomfort, you can take an OTC pain reliever as instructed to alleviate it in the short-term.
How We Treat Cracked Teeth
There are some cases where we can cover the damaged tooth with a dental crown, restoring the look and function of your tooth in the process. Unfortunately, that may not be possible if the crack is severe. If the damage is extensive and the best thing to do is remove the tooth, then we will replace it with a dental bridge or implant.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency?: Tooth sensitivity can occur for a number of reasons, and in certain cases, it can be a side effect of a more serious dental issue. An especially sensitive tooth can be considered an emergency if:
It is causing you pain.
It only affects a few specific teeth.
The sensitivity lasts for several days in a row.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: You don’t want to expose your tooth to anything that’s especially hot or cold, so drink lukewarm water for the time being. It’s also recommended that you stay away from any spicy, sweet, or acidic foods. If need be, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce any discomfort you may be experiencing.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: Once we have narrowed down the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity, we can give you a recommendation for treatment. In certain cases, the sensitivity may be the result of an infection; if that’s the case, you may need to have a root canal treatment performed in order to save the tooth.
Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency?: If you’re in a serious accident and/or get hit in the face or jaw, you may end up losing a tooth altogether. This is always an urgent dental issue; you will only be able to save your tooth if you’re able to see a dentist as quickly as possible. As such, you need to call our office right away once your tooth has been lost so that we can set up an appointment for you.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: You need to make sure that the tooth stays viable until you can get to our office. Handle it with care; avoid touching the root, and don’t take off any tissue that might still be attached to it. Once you have rinsed off the tooth, you can try to put it back in its socket. Alternatively, you can preserve it by putting it in a container filled with milk.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth can still be saved, our team can attempt to reimplant it, giving it the chance to rejoin with the jaw. In the event that the tooth has passed the point of no return, we will instead let you know what replacement options are available; dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants may be recommended depending on your needs.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency?: It’s not unusual for an older restoration to fall off your tooth. This does not put your smile in any immediate danger, but you still need to schedule an appointment at our office as soon as you can. You don’t want to leave the tooth in question exposed for too long.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: Assuming that you still have the restoration, be sure to keep it in a safe place; you’ll want to bring it with you when you visit our office. If you have lost a crown, you may be able to put it back on the tooth. A bit of toothpaste can work as a temporary adhesive.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: It depends on the condition of the restoration that you currently have. Newer, undamaged restorations can often simply be reattached to the tooth. On the other hand, an older and/or broken restoration will likely need to be replaced altogether. We’ll examine your crown or filling carefully before we give you a recommendation.
Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Your damaged dentures might not feel like an emergency, but if you wear them, you could cause one by injuring your gums, soft tissues inside your mouth, jawbone, and remaining natural teeth. If something has happened, please call us and let us know so we can schedule an appropriate time for you to be seen.
How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: Don’t wear your broken restoration because you might hurt or lacerate the insides of your lips, cheeks, and gums. Also, don’t try to repair it at home using household items, like superglue, because these can be toxic and make you sick.
How We Treat Broken Dentures: The treatment depends on what was broken and how severe the damage was. For instance, if one of the ceramic teeth is chipped, we might be able to fix it with dental bonding. Otherwise, we’ll work on fitting you with new prosthetics. This might be an ideal time to consider a sturdier solution, like implant dentures.
Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? Also known as extruded or partially dislodged, a loose adult tooth can occur gradually over time or as the result of physical trauma. Whatever the cause, it’s in danger of falling out, so you should be seen immediately.
How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: Contact us right away so we can book your same-day appointment. Then, don’t touch it or eat anything hard or sticky, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth if you must eat before your appointment. You can clean your mouth by gently swishing warm water to remove debris, but you shouldn’t try to brush or floss it.
How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: We might be able to salvage the situation by supplying a dental splint or other treatment to stabilize your tooth so it can reintegrate. If not, we may have to extract and replace it.
Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? If you’ve lacerated the inside of your mouth and it’s bleeding, it’s natural to feel alarmed. This kind of injury is common among athletes; if it’s not life-threatening, our team can help address it. Contact us immediately so you don’t have to wait for relief.
How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Clean the wound gently with water to eradicate any dirt, debris, and bacteria. Then, you can slow or stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean washcloth or folded piece of gauze. If you’re in pain, you can use an ice pack to provide a brief reprieve.
How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: We can stitch the wound closed and ensure that the area is clean to help prevent infection. However, if you have bleeding that doesn’t stop or increases after 10 minutes, you should head to the nearest emergency room instead.
Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? The urgency of your situation depends on the severity of your condition. Minor discomfort might not require immediate attention, but if you have a stiff or locked jaw, you should be seen sooner rather than later.
How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: When you call to make an appointment, we'll provide pertinent care instructions over the phone. Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter pain meds or apply a cold compress to reduce symptoms.
If your jawbone is broken or dislodged, it’s best to get to the closest ER immediately.
How We Treat Jaw Pain: The treatment is based on the underlying cause. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, an oral appliance like a nightguard can provide relief. If it’s due to impacted wisdom teeth, we may need to extract them. If it’s due to a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), we can provide helpful exercises and other therapies to help.
Is Something Stuck Between the Teeth a Dental Emergency? Having something lodged in your teeth can be more annoying than urgent, but you might injure yourself in your attempt to remove it. Let us know if you’re struggling to dislodge the object, and we’ll gladly assist you.
How You Should Handle Something Stuck Between the Teeth: Try rinsing your mouth with water vigorously to loosen the trapped item, or gently floss your teeth. Don’t use household objects like tweezers, utensils, toothpicks, or other sharp instruments to get it out because you could hurt your teeth or gums.
How We Treat Something Stuck Between the Teeth: We have the experience and instruments necessary to remove the stuck object safely, so that you don’t risk harming your mouth.
