Dental emergencies are scary, but what you do in the first few minutes can make all the difference. Here is what to do — then call us at (815) 426-2611 and we will take it from there.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Act fast — the clock matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing end), never the root. If it is dirty, give it a quick rinse with water — do not scrub it. Try to slip it gently back into the socket and hold it there; if that is not possible, keep it in a cup of cold milk or tucked inside your cheek. Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the sore tooth — sometimes a trapped piece of food is the whole problem. A cold compress on your cheek can ease swelling, and an over-the-counter pain reliever helps while you wait to be seen. Never place aspirin directly on the gum — it burns the tissue. A toothache that lingers, or one that wakes you at night, deserves a prompt visit, not a wait-and-see.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces you find. A cold compress helps with swelling, and if there is a sharp edge, cover it with a bit of dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek. Even a small chip is worth having us check — cracks can hide beneath the surface where you cannot see them.
When in Doubt, Call Us
If you are unsure whether it counts as an emergency, treat it like one and call (815) 426-2611. We reserve time for urgent problems because dental pain does not keep office hours. The sooner we see you, the more options we have to help — see our emergency dentist page for more.