Fast Help When a Tooth Cannot Wait
In Des Plaines, emergency dental care gets you out of pain and protects the tooth. This page covers what counts as an emergency, what to do first, and what happens when you arrive.
Call us as soon as the problem starts, and we will fit you in as quickly as we can. As a dentist in Des Plaines, we treat urgent problems for adults and kids.
What Should You Do First in a Dental Emergency in Des Plaines?
Quick steps in the first hour can save a tooth. Follow these steps for emergency dental care in Des Plaines:
- Call our office at (847) 824-7467 and tell us what happened.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Hold a cold pack on your cheek to calm swelling.
- Save any broken pieces. Keep a knocked-out tooth in milk.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs.
- Go to a hospital emergency room if swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
Knowing Which Problems Need Same-Day Care
Some dental problems should be seen today. Call us right away for any of these:
- Severe tooth pain that keeps you awake
- Swelling in your gum or face, or a tooth abscess
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth with sharp pain
A lost filling or loose crown with no pain can often wait a day or two. Call us, and we will help you decide.
Deciding Between Our Office and the Hospital
Most dental emergencies are best treated at a dental office. Hospital emergency rooms can calm pain and infection, but they usually cannot fix the tooth.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency room first for a broken jaw, heavy bleeding, or swelling near your eye or neck. After you are stable, call us for emergency dental care.
Getting to Our Downtown Des Plaines Office Quickly
Call before you head over, so we can be ready when you arrive. Our office is at 685 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
- Monday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Tuesday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Thursday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Bring any broken pieces, a list of your medicines, and your insurance card.
What Happens at Your Emergency Visit
We start by finding the cause of the problem. We look at the tooth and take a quick digital x-ray. Then we numb the area before any treatment.
Your emergency dental care may include a filling, bonding, or a crown. Some teeth need root canal therapy, and a few need to be removed. We explain your options first and plan a follow-up visit.
Preventing the Next Dental Emergency
Many dental emergencies start with a small problem that grew. Regular checkups help us find weak fillings and cracks early.
- Wear a mouthguard for hockey, soccer, and other contact sports
- Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Do not chew ice, pens, or hard candy
The American Dental Association lists what to do in common dental emergencies. Keep our number, (847) 824-7467, saved in your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we see urgent dental problems the same day whenever we can. Call (847) 824-7467 as early as possible so we can fit you in.
Most toothaches are best treated at a dental office, not the ER. Go to the ER only if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing.
Put the tooth back in the socket or in a cup of milk, then call us right away. Hold it by the top, not the root.
Yes, we provide emergency dental care for kids and adults. Bring your child in quickly after any injury to the mouth.