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Emergency Dentistry 101: 6 Common Types of Dental Emergencies, Explained

August 30, 2023

Is your tooth problem considered an emergency? We're diving into 6 common types of dental emergencies in this emergency dentistry 101 guide.

About one billion people are affected by injuries to the teeth, mouth, or oral cavity (oro-dental trauma) each year. Accidents happen! However, neglecting to seek emergency dentistry services after sustaining an injury could compromise your oral health.


What is a dental emergency, and when should you visit your dentist in Riverdale, IL for treatment? Read on to discover six common emergencies that indicate you need help right away. 


1. Toothaches

Some patients shrug off a toothache as a minor inconvenience or temporary problem. You should ask yourself, "Am I having a dental emergency?" if the toothache persists. A constant toothache could indicate a serious oral health issue.


For example, toothaches are a common symptom of:


  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
  • Cracked teeth
  • Damaged restorations (fillings or crowns)
  • Abscessed teeth


A severe toothache could mean you have an infection or cavity. The problem won't go away on its own. If a fever or chills accompany your toothache, you're having a dental emergency.


Call your Riverdale emergency dentist right away to seek treatment. In some cases, an infection in your mouth can spread through your bloodstream. It could reach other areas of the body, including your brain.


Let your dentist know if you also experience sensitivity, throbbing, swelling, or stabbing pain. 


If it's a temporary irritation, the pain should go away in a day or two. Pain associated with an abscess or cavity might come and go. You should still seek treatment.


Your dentist will perform a dental exam and schedule X-rays to find the source of the problem. They might recommend antibiotics. If bacteria has invaded your tooth pulp, you'll need root canal surgery. 


2. Damaged Teeth

Knocked-out teeth and damaged teeth are common types of dental emergencies.


You could knock out a tooth after a car accident, sporting accident, or slip-and-fall incident. Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root) right away. Rinse the tooth under lukewarm water. Don't use soap.


After rinsing it off, place the tooth in a container of milk. Visit your Riverdale emergency dentist's office right away. Your dentist can put the tooth back in place if it's not badly damaged.


If you manage to save the tooth, you can avoid dental implant surgery.


You could break or chip a tooth after an accident or by biting into a hard substance. Look for emergency dental care if you experience pain or bleeding.


Immediately rinse your mouth out using warm water. If the damaged tooth is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. Place a cold compress onto the side of your face if you experience pain or swelling.


Otherwise, avoid activities that might cause your teeth to break or chip. Remove hard or crunchy foods from your diet that might cause damage. 


3. Lost Filling or Crown 

Dental crowns and fillings are restorative dentistry options. They can improve a damaged tooth's function and appearance. If you damage or lose a filling or crown, visit your Riverdale dentist.


Neglecting to fix the issue could compromise your oral health. For example, you could develop an infection. The infection could spread, affecting your overall health. 


While waiting to see your dentist, place sugarless gum over the tooth. Keep the restoration safe in a plastic bag to protect it from bacteria. 


4. Abscess

Bacteria can create a pocket of pus (an abscess) to form around a tooth. When left untreated, the abscess can reach the top of a tooth's root. If you don't seek treatment, you could develop mediastinitis. 

You'll also experience complications. 


The mortality rate for dental abscesses is 40% when left untreated. The infection could spread to your brain. If you develop an abscess, seek emergency dentistry services right away. 


Your symptoms could include:


  • Sensitivity to hot/cold food or beverages
  • Sensitivity or pain when chewing
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Fever
  • A throbbing headache
  • A salty or foul taste
  • Facial swelling


Treatment involves draining the abscess and antibiotic support.


Reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess by prioritizing your oral health between dental cleanings. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing will reduce the likelihood of plaque and tartar development. 


Your risk of an abscess could increase if you're taking medications or consuming a high-sugar diet.


Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings with your Riverdale dentist every six months. They'll spot signs of oral health issues before they can progress. With help from your dentist, you can avoid a dental emergency and health complications. 


5. Broken Orthodontics

The brackets and wires used for orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces should withstand damage. However, an accident could cause you to break your orthodontics. If you damage your braces, visit an emergency dentist right away. 


Neglecting to repair your braces immediately can cause pain and discomfort. It will also delay your treatment plan. A wire might start poking the inside of your gums, potentially leading to an injury. 


If a wire is poking the inside of your cheek, try moving it into a more comfortable position carefully. If you can't, cover the end with orthodontic wax or gauze until you can visit your dentist. 


Your dentist can repair your braces, allowing you to continue your treatment plan. 


6. Swelling and Bleeding

Swelling and bleeding are usually symptoms of other oral health issues. 


For example, bleeding gums could indicate you have inflammation or gum disease. Gum disease can compromise your oral health when left untreated. You could even lose a tooth.


Rinse your mouth using salt water until you can see the dentist. If your face is swelling, place a compress against your cheek.


Emergency Dentistry: Visit a Dentist in Riverdale, IL

To recap, what is a dental emergency? It's a situation that could compromise your oral health. If these symptoms sound familiar, seek emergency dentistry services right away. 


Your dentist in Riverdale, IL can ensure you receive the proper treatment before you experience complications. 

Need to visit a dentist for emergency treatment? We're here for you.


Contact Ivanhoe Dental Group now for emergency dental care outside of normal business hours.


By Ivanhoe Dental Group February 23, 2025
As people get older, the average number of missing teeth increases from 0.7 at ages 20-34 to 3.8 at ages 50-64, according to the CDC's 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report . This shocking statistic stresses the importance of taking care of your teeth at every stage of life. Tooth loss can make eating difficult, impact speech, and lower self-confidence. By following expert advice, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy for life. Simple daily routines, regular dental check-ups, and smart food choices all play a role in preventing tooth loss . Discussed below are these tips in detail. Brush and Floss Daily Dr. Marko Vujicic of the ADA (American Dental Association) Health Policy Institute believes that a golden era of oral health is coming because of the convergence of trends. This means that more people have a chance to take better care of their teeth, and you can be one of them by following simple daily habits. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day are simple habits you can adopt. If you don't brush and floss, plaque builds up, leading to bad breath, cavities, and gum infections. Gum disease doesn't always cause pain at first, so many people don't realize they have it until it's too late. However, a good oral hygiene routine can prevent this problem and improve dental health. It's also important to use the right brushing and flossing technique. Brush gently in small circles to clean every tooth, and floss carefully to reach between them. A soft-bristled toothbrush works best because it cleans well without hurting your gums. Use a Mouthwash With Fluoride As a key ingredient in mouthwash, fluoride helps repair weak enamel and prevent cavities. Many mouthwashes also fight bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath. Selecting a dentist-recommended option ensures you receive the most effective protection for your oral health. For best results, use mouthwash at a different time than brushing so the fluoride from your toothpaste stays on your teeth longer. Swish it gently around the mouth for about 30 seconds, and don't rinse with water right after. This simple habit makes a big difference in keeping your teeth strong. Embrace a Tooth-Friendly Diet What you eat affects your teeth. Choosing the right foods can keep your teeth healthy for life. Some of the tooth-friendly foods you can add to your strong teeth diet include: Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium that reinforces dental structure Spinach, kale, and other dark leafy vegetables deliver essential nutrients for healthy gums Crisp produce like apples, carrots, and celery naturally scrub teeth while eating Mineral-rich nuts and seeds offer protection against enamel deterioration Eating these foods can help you avoid cavities and gum disease . Figure out those that your body can tolerate and experiment with different recipes to make eating fun. Either way, a healthy diet also benefits your overall health, keeping you strong and energized. Stay Hydrated A dry mouth allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath, gum disease, and decay. Even worse, sugary drinks like soda and juice can make things worse by feeding the bacteria that cause cavities. Choosing water instead of sugary drinks helps prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth strong. Fluoridated water adds even more protection by strengthening enamel. Drinking water throughout the day also helps your body produce saliva, which naturally fights bacteria. It's one of the simplest and most accessible ways to keep your smile healthy. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Excessive smoking and drinking can harm your teeth and gums. These habits increase plaque, stain teeth, and increase gum disease risk. If you drink or smoke, quit or cut back as part of the natural ways to strengthen teeth and keep them longer. Smoking reduces blood flow to your sensitive gums, making healing from infections harder. On the other hand, alcohol dries out your mouth, which allows bacteria to grow and cause decay. Together, they make it much easier for gum disease to develop and lead to tooth loss. The effects of smoking and alcohol go beyond just your mouth. You may develop serious health problems such as oral cancer. Making healthier choices now will benefit your teeth and your overall well-being. Protect Your Teeth Protecting your teeth from cracks, chips, and wear is important for keeping them strong. Simple precautions now can save you from expensive dental work later. Here are some oral hygiene tips to observe: Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping Wear a high-quality sports mouthguard if you play contact sports Avoid chewing hard objects, including ice, pens, or popcorn kernels Be mindful of clenching your jaw, and try to relax your facial muscles A little protection goes a long way in preventing broken or worn-down teeth . It can help you avoid dental problems in the future. Visit Your Dentist Regularly Seeing a dentist every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. The checkups involve professional cleanings to remove plaque and exams to catch small problems before they become serious. They can help you avoid painful and expensive dental treatments when done regularly. A study funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) found that when doctors talk to parents about oral health, children are more likely to see a dentist . The study showed that quick oral exams and referrals during medical checkups helped parents take better care of their children's teeth. This proves that good dental habits start early and can make a lifelong difference. Skipping dentist visits allows plaque and gum disease to get worse over time . By not going, you won't get personalized advice on oral care. So, keeping up with dental visits can benefit your smile. Preventing Tooth Loss: Simple Steps for Long-Term Oral Health Preventing tooth loss is achievable with simple daily habits. Brushing, flossing, consuming healthy foods, and visiting the dentist all help keep your teeth strong. Take care of your teeth now to enjoy a healthy smile for years. At Ivanhoe Dental Group, we help people keep their teeth strong and healthy. If you need a trusted dentist in Riverdale, IL, we're here for you. Call (708) 607-6854 or book an appointment online now.
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