Which Steps should I Take During a Dental Emergency?

When you have a dental emergency, the first step is to contact the office to discuss your symptoms. We will determine if your issue requires immediate treatment or if you can wait until an appointment opens up. In the meantime, you can use OTC pain relievers and home remedies such as clove oil, salt water rinse, ice packs, and more to relieve pain and swelling. Avoid using heat, as it will cause infection to grow and spread. If you have a knocked-out tooth, try to find the tooth and pick it up by the crown- not the roots. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket. If not, you can place it between your cheek and gums or in a small amount of milk to keep it moist. If this happens, you should seek treatment within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Is a tooth abscess an emergency?

Yes, a tooth abscess is considered an emergency. An abscess indicates that there is a severe infection in the tooth. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other areas of your body including your brain or heart, which can be life-threatening.

How much does emergency dentistry cost?

The cost of emergency dentistry depends on the procedure being performed. Typically, an emergency exam is either complimentary or is included in the cost of the procedure. The cost of various emergency procedures includes: Emergency root canal ($700 to $1,200), Emergency extraction (Simple: $75 to $300, Surgical: $200 to $600), Emergency dental filling (Silver amalgam: $110 to $200, Resin: $135 to $240), Emergency dental crown (Porcelain: $1,200 to $1,500, Metal: $1,200 to $1,400, PFM: $1,000 to $1,150).

How much is an extraction at the emergency dentist?

The cost of an extraction depends on the type of extraction required. If the tooth can be removed with a simple extraction, the cost ranges from around $75 to $300. On the other hand, if the tooth requires surgical removal, the cost ranges from around $200 to $600.

Is there an emergency dentist near me?

Yes, most areas have a nearby emergency dentist. If you are in or near Aurora, IL, City of Lights Dental can help. We offer a variety of emergency dental services for patients of all ages.

Can urgent care help with tooth pain?

An urgent care center can help you get your tooth pain under control with a pain reliever and may be able to provide an antibiotic for an infection. However, they typically do not have a dentist on staff to treat the underlying cause. They will usually refer you to a dentist instead.

Can I go to the emergency room for a toothache?

While you can go to the emergency room for a toothache, they won’t be able to do much for you. Most of the time, there is not a dentist on staff in an emergency room. They will be able to help you with the pain and may provide an antibiotic for an infection but will refer you to a dentist for treatment.

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Any time you have a dental issue, it’s important to seek prompt treatment to prevent further complications. Some dental issues require immediate treatment, while others can wait- but still need to be addressed.

A dental emergency requires immediate treatment and is characterized by severe pain, swelling, and uncontrollable bleeding. If you have a dental emergency, call City of Lights Dental for treatment. We can help you get your issue under control and get you back to dental health.

Causes & Symptoms of Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies arise due to various reasons, including trauma from accidents, untreated cavities, gum disease, or infections. Common symptoms include severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, loose teeth, sensitivity to temperature, pus or abscesses, and difficulty in chewing or speaking. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact City of Lights Dental immediately for prompt relief and expert care.

Do I Need Emergency Dental Care?

Anyone experiencing sudden, severe dental pain, trauma, swelling, or infection should seek emergency dental care. If you are struggling to eat, speak, or function due to a dental issue, immediate treatment is necessary. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a painful cavity, or an abscess, prompt attention can prevent further complications and restore your oral health.

Benefits of Emergency Dental Treatment

Immediate Pain Relief – Alleviate severe toothaches and discomfort.
Prevention of Further Complications – Avoid worsening infections or structural damage.
Restored Functionality – Eat, speak, and chew without difficulty.
Preservation of Natural Teeth – Quick treatment can save your tooth from extraction.
Peace of Mind – Get expert care and avoid long-term dental problems.

Common Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is an oral health issue that requires immediate attention, usually involving uncontrolled bleeding and excessive pain and/or swelling. It’s important to note that not all dental issues are considered an emergency.

If you have a dental issue, call your dentist and describe your symptoms. If it is an emergency, you will get an immediate appointment. If it is not an emergency, you may have to wait a few days before your appointment.

Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

Severe Toothache

Tooth pain does not always indicate a dental emergency. However, if the pain is severe and uncontrollable, you may have a serious issue.

Abscess

An abscess is a pimple-like bump on the gumline near the affected tooth. This indicates infection. If left untreated, the consequences could be life-threatening.

Lost/broken Dentures

If you lose or break your dentures or dental bridges, it’s important to have them repaired/replaced as soon as possible to avoid additional complications.

Knocked-out Tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, try to locate the tooth and bring it with you to the appointment. In some cases, the tooth can be inserted back into the socket.

Loose Tooth

A loose primary tooth is not an emergency- it will eventually come out on its own. On the other hand, a loose permanent tooth needs to be addressed to avoid additional complications.

Broken/Lost Orthodontics

If you have a broken bracket/wire in traditional metal braces or a damaged/lost clear aligner, this needs to be addressed immediately because it impacts your treatment timeline.

Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency

In the event of a dental emergency, it is crucial to remain calm and take appropriate steps to minimize pain and prevent further damage before you reach our office.

If you experience a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid chewing on the affected side.
For a knocked-out tooth, gently rinse it without scrubbing and try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk while seeking immediate dental care.
In the case of a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with water and keep any broken pieces safe while avoiding chewing on the affected tooth.
If you suffer from a dental abscess, avoid popping it, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and seek emergency care as soon as possible.
For loose or lost crowns or fillings, avoid eating hard foods and apply dental cement or sugar-free gum over the exposed tooth as a temporary measure.

In any dental emergency, contact City of Lights Dental immediately for expert guidance and prompt treatment.

Our Dental Emergency Services

When you visit City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL with a dental emergency, the first step will be to get your pain under control. Once that is done, we will perform an emergency exam which will help us to diagnose your problem and create an appropriate treatment plan.

We offer several different treatment options depending on the type and severity of your dental emergency:

Tooth Extraction

A severely damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal may require extraction. At City of Lights Dental, we ensure a painless procedure using local anesthesia and, if needed, sedation for anxious patients. Removing a compromised tooth helps prevent infection from spreading and relieves discomfort. After extraction, we’ll discuss tooth replacement options like implants or bridges to restore your smile’s function and appearance.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth often cause issues like pain, swelling, infection, or crowding when they don’t have enough room to grow properly. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing discomfort, our dental team will assess them through X-rays and recommend extraction if necessary. The procedure is done under anesthesia to ensure your comfort, and we provide clear post-extraction care instructions to promote a smooth recovery with minimal discomfort.

Toothache

A persistent toothache can indicate decay, infection, or even gum disease. If you’re experiencing pain, our emergency dental exam will identify the root cause and determine the best course of action. Treatment may involve a filling, root canal, or extraction, depending on the severity of the issue. We prioritize immediate pain relief and long-term solutions to restore your dental health and prevent future problems.

We will always strive to salvage the structure of the natural tooth when possible- extraction is always a last resort.

Prevention and Aftercare for Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can happen at any time. The best way to reduce your risk is with proper oral care, including:

Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste containing fluoride
Flossing at least once daily with a water flosser
Using an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash
Visit the dentist every 6 months for a full exam and cleaning to detect and treat problems before they escalate

If you have a dental emergency, you will be given specific aftercare instructions based on your procedure. Basic aftercare instructions include:

Avoiding chewing on the affected tooth, especially hard/crunchy foods
Gently brush/floss around the affected tooth
Make sure to keep all follow-up visits
If you have complications, contact the dentist right away

Cost of Emergency Dental Treatment

The cost of emergency dental treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and the required procedure. Common emergency treatments, such as fillings, extractions, and root canals, can range from $100 to $1,500 depending on complexity.

At City of Lights Dental, we strive to provide affordable emergency care and accept most dental insurance plans. For uninsured patients, we offer flexible payment options to ensure you receive the urgent care you need without financial stress. Contact our office for a personalized cost estimate.

Let City of Lights Dental Handle Your Dental Emergencies

The team at City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL offers a variety of dental services including preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency services. Dr. Julie Lies-Keilty, DDS, and Dr. Marvin Amayun, DMD are committed to providing top-quality patient treatment. They believe in taking the time to get to know their patients and putting their needs first instead of just recommending treatments.

We are located on West Galena Boulevard in Aurora. Our office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We are open two Saturdays a month from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. We accept a variety of payment options and work with many insurance providers.

FAQs on Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is an issue that requires prompt treatment to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. If you have any questions or concerns about dental emergencies, the team at City of Lights Dental can help. We believe that it’s important for you to understand your condition and the recommended treatments.