Professional Care for Unexpected Dental Trauma in Chicago, IL
Dental emergencies can be frightening, painful, and disruptive. Whether you are enjoying a meal on the Magnificent Mile or waking up in the middle of the night with severe pain, knowing where to turn is critical for saving your smile. At Water Tower Dental Care, located in the iconic Water Tower Place, we combine luxury service with urgent responsiveness. Dr. Daniel Aneszko, Dr. Rana Stino, and Dr. Jennifer Moran are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-tech care to stabilize your condition and restore your oral health.
We understand that dental trauma and sudden issues do not follow a convenient schedule. Our team treats every patient like family, ensuring that even in a crisis, you feel comforted by our amenities—including noise-canceling headphones and a supportive environment. If you are experiencing an urgent issue, do not hesitate to contact our dentist’s office near you. Time is often the most important factor in preserving a tooth and preventing the spread of infection. Call our Chicago dentists near you immediately at (312) 787-2131 to request an appointment.
Severe Toothache and Abscesses
A persistent toothache is often the first sign of a significant underlying problem. While minor sensitivity can sometimes wait, severe, throbbing pain indicates that tooth decay or damage has reached the pulp of the tooth—the inner chamber containing nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria infect this tissue, it causes inflammation and intense pressure inside the tooth.
If left untreated, this infection can spread to the root and surrounding bone, forming an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often accompanied by a fever, a foul taste in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the head and neck. Our team may perform emergency dental care procedures to drain the infection and relieve pain instantly.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth
Accidents involving falls, sports injuries, or biting down on hard foods can result in broken or chipped teeth. While a small chip in the enamel might only be a cosmetic concern, a deep fracture can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to sharp pain when breathing air or drinking cold water. If a large piece of the tooth is missing, it may leave the nerve vulnerable to bacteria.
For aesthetic concerns or structural damage, we utilize high-tech digital dentistry to restore your smile. Depending on the severity of the break, we may recommend same-day crowns or veneers to rebuild the tooth’s shape and strength. If you have suffered a fracture, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling before coming to see us.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth
Having a permanent tooth knocked out is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies you can face. The chances of saving the tooth are highest if you receive treatment within one hour of the injury. If your tooth is avulsed, handle it carefully by the crown (the top chewing surface), never touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub off any attached tissue fragments.
If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean dressing or gauze. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or holding it inside your cheek. Do not use water for storage, as it can damage the root cells. Call our office at (312) 787-2131 immediately. If the tooth cannot be saved, we specialize in implant dentistry to provide a natural-looking replacement.
Lost Restorations: Crowns and Fillings 
Dental restorations are durable, but they are not indestructible. Old fillings can loosen, and the crown covering a tooth can detach due to decay underneath or sticky foods. When a restoration is lost, the underlying tooth tissue is exposed to temperature and bacteria, often causing sensitivity and pain.
If a crown falls off, locate it and bring it with you. You can use a small amount of over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive to temporarily slip it back onto the tooth to protect it. Do not use super glue. Our team can often re-cement the crown or, if necessary, create a new one using our CEREC One-Visit Crowns technology. Ignoring a lost restoration can lead to further tooth decay and the potential need for more extensive restorative dentistry.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Bleeding
Not all dental emergencies involve the hard structures of the teeth. Injuries to the soft tissues—including the tongue, gums, lips, and inner cheek—can result in significant bleeding. These injuries are common in sports or accidental falls. To control bleeding, rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution or antiseptic mouthwash and apply firm pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag to the wound for 15 to 20 minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop, or if the cut is deep, you may need stitches. While we handle many soft tissue injuries, severe facial trauma may require a trip to the emergency department. However, for issues related to gum disease or localized gum injury, our office is the best place for specialized care.
Orthodontic Emergencies
For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, broken hardware can cause significant discomfort. A protruding wire or a loose bracket can irritate the soft tissue of the cheek or gum. If a wire is poking you, you can try to push it flat with a cotton swab or cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax.
While many of our patients use Invisalign, issues can still arise with attachments or lost aligners. If you lose an aligner, contact us to determine if you should move to the next tray or revert to the previous one to maintain your progress. Do not let orthodontic mishaps derail your treatment plan; call us at (312) 787-2131 for guidance.
Emergency Room vs. Dentist’s Office
When pain strikes, many patients unsure of what to do head to a hospital or urgent care center. It is important to know that unless the hospital has a dental resident on call, an emergency medicine physician is generally not trained or equipped to treat dental issues. They cannot perform root canals, place fillings, or reimplant teeth.
Typically, an ER can only offer pain management through medication or antibiotics for an infection, serving as a temporary fix. For definitive care that addresses the root cause of the problem, a visit to our clinic is necessary. We have the specific tools and expertise to handle tooth mobility, fractures, and infections that a general physician does not.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, many emergencies are preventable with proper oral care. Maintaining a routine of brushing with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss, and attending regular dental cleanings helps ensure your teeth remain strong and free of deep decay.
For athletes, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard is the single most effective way to prevent dental trauma during sports. Additionally, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite energetic items like ice. If you do engage in risky activities or have a history of clenching, discuss preventive options with us during your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are often effective for reducing inflammation and pain. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can also help. However, avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or the aching tooth, as this can burn the tissue.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for emergency services, such as exams and X-rays necessary to diagnose the issue. Our office works with various providers and can help you understand your benefits.
Even if the pain subsides, the underlying issue (like an infection or deep cavity) usually remains. Tooth nerve death can stop the pain temporarily but leads to an abscess later. It is safer to schedule an exam to ensure the health of the tooth.
If you are a patient of record and experience a severe crisis, please contact our office. We provide instructions for reaching our team or directing you to appropriate emergency care if immediate attention is required outside of business hours.
Contact Water Tower Dental Care for Urgent Relief
Your oral health is our priority. At Water Tower Dental Care, we strive to make emergency services as seamless and stress-free as possible. Whether you need a simple repair or complex surgery, Dr. Aneszko, Dr. Stino, and Dr. Moran are here to help you navigate your dental care needs with expertise and empathy.
Do not endure unnecessary pain or risk your smile. If you are looking for dentists near you in Chicago who can handle urgent situations with a touch of luxury, we are ready to serve you.
Click the button below to request an emergency appointment or call us directly at (312) 787-2131 for immediate assistance.
