Emergency Dentistry
Emergency Dentistry in Rockford, IL
From sudden and severe toothaches to cracked or chipped teeth, dental emergencies happen often. Fortunately, most dental emergencies do not require a trip to the emergency room. Instead, they can be treated by your local dentist at Rockford Dental Care. We offer emergency dentistry services in Rockford, IL, to help you deal with painful injuries or severe infections.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation in which you are experiencing dental pain, have uncontrolled bleeding, or have sustained physical damage to one or more teeth. Some dental emergencies require immediate treatment, while others may wait a day or two to be addressed. When you are experiencing any symptoms of bleeding, severe pain, or tooth injuries, call our dental office right away to determine the right course of action for your care. We often have same-day appointments available for emergency cases.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
There are many types of dental emergencies, from sports injuries that have broken or knocked out a tooth to an abscessed tooth caused by an untreated infection. We treat all types of dental emergencies in our practice, including:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Knocked out teeth
- Broken crowns or fillings
- Objects lodged between the teeth
- Toothaches
- Swelling in the mouth or jaw
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
It’s important to recognize that no type of dental pain is normal, so you should never ignore a toothache or sudden soreness and swelling of the gum tissue. If you have any pain, you should contact our office right away to schedule a visit. If you have experienced a physical injury that has damaged one or more teeth, you will want to see the dentist as soon as possible. Cracked or chipped teeth are vulnerable to infection, while knocked-out teeth can only be salvaged within a short window of time. Broken crowns and fillings should also be addressed immediately.
What to Do Before You Arrive
Before you arrive at our office for emergency dental treatment, you should:
- Use gauze to control any bleeding
- Not take NSAID medications if you are bleeding
- Rinse your mouth with salt water if your tooth has been cracked or knocked out
- Preserve a knocked-out tooth in a glass of milk or by placing it back in the socket after cleaning it
- Use ice to minimize swelling and alleviate tooth pain
Our Emergency Dentistry Services
Our office is equipped to handle all types of dental emergencies. Some of the emergency dentistry services we offer include:
- Extractions – If damage, decay, or other causes have rendered one or more of your teeth past the point of repair, we may need to extract them. Removing one or more teeth can protect the health of the rest of your mouth and relieve you of discomfort. We only perform tooth extractions when they’re necessary. During your visit, we’ll keep you comfortable and guide you to a replacement solution that’s right for you.
- Root Canal Therapy – Damage to your teeth, such as cracks and decay, can expose tooth roots to infection from bacteria. Let our caring specialists clean out the affected tissue and seal out any chance of further infection with root canal therapy. Treating an infected tooth with this procedure as quickly as possible is vital to helping you avoid further damage, tooth loss, and developing an abscess.
- Dental Restorations – If your teeth have been damaged or you have a broken crown or filling, we can provide a new dental restoration that preserves the structure of your tooth and leaves the roots of the natural tooth intact.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
Dental emergencies can be stressful, so we will ensure your comfort and get you treated quickly. The first step in your visit will be taking X-rays to assess the extent of your injury or infection and create a customized treatment plan. We will then walk you through your emergency dental treatment needs and provide same-day services to relieve your pain and get you back to your normal routine.
Why Choose Us for Your Emergency Dentistry Needs
Rockford Dental Care is the preferred provider of emergency dentistry services in Rockford, IL, because we provide a comfortable, modern care environment led by an experienced team. We also offer extended evening and weekend hours, so you can get the care you need exactly when you need it.
More Dental Care Services at Rockford Dental Care
Along with emergency care, you can count on us for your everyday dental care needs. We offer:
Schedule Your Visit
When you need dental care right away, don’t hesitate to call Rockford Dental Care. You can also contact us online to schedule your next visit.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Will my insurance cover dental emergencies?
Yes, most insurance plans do cover dental emergencies. We will walk you through your treatment costs and payment options at the time of your appointment.
Can a knocked-out tooth be put back in?
In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can be saved and reattached. To ensure the best chances of salvaging the natural tooth, handle the tooth only by the crown and keep it clean and moist either in the mouth or in a glass of milk. You need to see the dentist right away to have it successfully replanted in the mouth.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of office hours?
If you have a dental emergency and our office is closed, call us to leave a message or be referred to a practice offering 24-hour emergency dentistry. If you have a severe facial or oral injury, visit the ER or call 911.