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The Complete Guide to Selecting an Emergency Dentist in Riverdale, IL

April 3, 2023

Finding the right dentist for an emergency treatment requires knowing your options. Here is a guide on selecting an emergency dentist in Riverdale, IL.

Professionals logged about 13.1 million emergency department visits within a single year. If you have a dental emergency, don't visit an Emergency Room. Instead, look for a dentist in Riverdale, IL who offers emergency dentistry services.


Make sure you have a practice in mind before an emergency strikes. Not sure how to choose an emergency dentist?

Read on for the factors you need to consider for an effective search today.


Location Matters

One of the most important factors to consider during your search is each dental practice's location.


When in the middle of an emergency, it's essential to act quickly. You don't want to drive across town (or through traffic) to reach a dental practice. Instead, look for practices in Riverdale that are near your home, work, or child's school.


Finding nearby practices can ensure a quick trip when there's an emergency. Choosing a small search radius will also narrow down your options for dentists. You won't have to research every dentist in Riverdale, IL.


Choosing the closest emergency dental office will ensure quick treatment. When an emergency strikes, you'll be glad you chose a nearby practice. 


Training

Once you have a short list of options for dentists, look into their training.


First, determine where they went to school. Confirm they have a diploma from an accredited institution. You can check each practice's website (the "About Us" page) or Healthgrades.com for this information.


Determine when each dentist graduated, too. If it was a few decades ago, the dentist likely has years of experience. However, it's possible their training is out of date.


Make sure the dentist continued their education after graduating. These dentists remain informed of new techniques and technologies. They likely offer a higher standard of care than other dentists in the area. 


Experience

Determine how long each dentist has practiced in Riverdale and how long they've owned their own clinic. Find dentists with years of emergency dentistry experience. Consider what type of emergencies they often treat, too.


Dental emergencies include:

  • Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  • Lost crowns and fillings
  • Bleeding mouths
  • Broken braces
  • Facial swelling
  • Knocked out teeth
  • Dental or gum abscesses
  • Severe toothaches


Delaying treatment could affect your oral health, which could affect your overall health. For example, the mortality rate for patients with abscess infections is 40%.


Finding a dentist with years of experience treating patients in the midst of an emergency can give you peace of mind. They'll know how to think on their feet. They'll use their experience to diagnose the problem without delay.


Swift treatment can ensure a better outcome. 


If the dentist doesn't have experience treating a range of dental emergencies, remove them from your list.


Referrals

Once you've done your own research, narrow down your options by turning to other Riverdale residents. Ask friends and family members if they've ever encountered a dental emergency. If they have, determine what practice they went to for treatment.


Gather as much information as you can about the emergency, their appointment, and the dentist. For example, you can ask:

  • What practice did you visit
  • Where was it located
  • Do they offer extended hours for emergencies
  • Did the dentist have a good bedside manner
  • How long did it take for them to see you
  • Were you satisfied with the services you received
  • Were there any issues


If the patient did have issues at the dentist's office, determine how they were resolved. Look for a practice that cares about its patients.

For example, maybe the staff was rude, it took hours to receive treatment, or there were billing issues.


Find a dentist that other Riverdale residents are already raving about. If you can't gather referrals, research the dentists on your list online instead. Look for patient reviews to determine if each dentist has a glowing reputation.


You can check each dentist's website for a testimonials page. Check their Google Business and Better Business Bureau listings, too. If they don't have glowing reviews and a positive reputation, remove them from your list.


Otherwise, you might encounter the same problems other patients encountered in the past. A dentist with a positive reputation will want to keep it by offering the highest standard of care.


Services

As you begin narrowing down your options for dentists, consider what services they offer. You might want to choose an emergency dentist who offers general dentistry services. In the future, you'll only need to visit one dentist for all oral health care needs.


Visiting the same dentist, regardless of the situation, can help you and your family feel more comfortable at their offices.


Pricing

Ask each dental practice about their costs for emergency services and general services. Gather prices from at least three Riverdale practices. Then, start comparing dental treatment costs.


Comparing costs can help you recognize the average cost of emergency services. If one practice has extremely higher pricing, consider it a red flag. 


Don't select a practice based on pricing alone. Instead, review the research you gathered in the previous steps.


Which dentists have the necessary training, experience, expertise, and services? Prioritize your needs. Then determine which practice fits your budget. 


Emergency Dentistry: Find a Dentist in Riverdale, IL 

Don't make the mistake of choosing an emergency dentist at random. Instead, use these tips to find a dentist in Riverdale, IL you can depend on. Their emergency dentistry services could make all the difference one day.


Don't forget to improve and maintain your oral health with routine checkups in the meantime.


Need to schedule an appointment? We're here for you.


Contact us today to get started. 

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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