Helping You in Your Time of Need
Dental emergencies can happen at anytime, anywhere. If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, take a few deep breaths and give us a call. We’ll restore your oral health and get rid of the pain.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Hausten will get you an appointment at your earliest convenience. Our team will do their best to get you feeling as good as new in no time.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any damage caused to the teeth, gums, or tongue as the result of trauma or an ongoing dental condition. Some emergencies require immediate attention while others can be put off until your next dental visit. Dental emergencies include:
Toothaches
Constant or persistent toothaches are often warning signs that you could be suffering from more serious health problems. If you notice that your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures or it’s painful to bite, call Dr. Hausten and our team. We’ll use diagnostic technology to find out what’s causing your toothaches and help treat the underlying issue.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Cracked and chipped teeth do not require same-day treatment unless the inner pulp chamber is exposed. Our Wheaton dentist will assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your tooth.
Knocked-Out Teeth (Tooth Avulsion)
Usually caused by a sports-related injury or a bad fall, tooth avulsion is a common dental emergency that requires a trip to the dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, hold it only by the crown and avoid touching the roots.
If you can’t replace the tooth into the socket, try putting it in a small container of milk or moistened gauze. Dr. Hausten will assess the damage and try to replace your natural tooth.
Laceration or Sports Related Emergency
Cuts to the gums and soft tissue can be painful, but most of them don’t require an emergency visit to your dentist. If you’ve experienced a soft tissue injury, thoroughly rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution and place a clean, moistened gauze over the injured area until bleeding stops. In most instances, the laceration will heal within a few days.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you’ll want to give us a call or visit an emergency room nearest you.
Other Emergencies
While these are the most common types of dental emergencies, you’ll want to contact our office right away if you experience any of the following:
- Pain with chewing
- Loose teeth
- Loose or missing filling
- Damaged restorations such as crowns and bridges
Unfortunately, dental pain typically doesn’t go away on its own and you’ll want to give us a call so we can address any issues before they become problematic. Waiting too long can lead to serious consequences, like tooth decay or even tooth loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is indeed a dental emergency, start by giving us a call at (630) 653-3440. One of our knowledgeable team members will determine if your symptoms need to be addressed urgently or if they can wait until the next available appointment.
In the event that you damage your teeth, you should contact our Wheaton office right away by calling (630) 653-3440. In the meantime, you can clean the tooth so it’s free of debris and store it in a container with saline solution to keep the roots from drying out. If the tooth is chipped or broken, keep the pieces preserved as best you can.
Avoid lifting the tooth from the roots and try to only touch the crown portion instead. It’s vital to schedule an appointment as soon as you get a chance– this will help ensure the re-implantation is successful. Trying to fix a tooth that has been displaced on your own may only cause more damage.
If you’ve severely damaged your tooth, Dr. Hausten may recommend dental bonding or a dental crown to restore it’s function and appearance.
Sometimes emergencies can be prevented if precautions are followed. For example, wearing mouthguards and protective equipment when participating in sports activities can help prevent damaging your teeth and gums.
Also, visiting your dentist for regular checkups will help them catch any issues before they become problematic. If you’re planning on leaving the country or taking an extended trip, you’ll want to see Dr. Hausten prior to leaving to ensure your oral health is in optimal condition.
Following a good oral hygiene routine, in addition to scheduling biannual checkups and cleanings, will ensure your oral health stays on track.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to examine how your mouth is responding to a particular surgery or procedure. In some cases, you may need to see Dr. Hausten for a follow-up appointment if sutures need to be removed.
She’ll also want to assess swelling and ensure your mouth is free of infection. If you’re unsure if your follow-up appointment is in need of immediate attention, give our office a call and we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Contact Dr. Hausten Today About Your Dental Emergency
If you are concerned about a dental emergency contact your Wheaton dentist today. We’ll assess the damage and find the best course of treatment. Contact us today by calling (630) 653-3440, and we’ll schedule you an appointment at your earliest convenience.
