Actionable Steps to Protect Your Smile Before You Arrive
Panic is often the first reaction when a dental emergency strikes. Whether it is a throbbing toothache that wakes you up at 3 a.m. or a sudden fall on the sidewalk along the Magnificent Mile, the stress can be overwhelming. At Water Tower Dental Care, located in the iconic Water Tower Place, we are here to provide calm, expert guidance and swift treatment. Dr. Daniel Aneszko, Dr. Rana Stino, and Dr. Jennifer Moran have created a practice that blends high-tech clinical excellence with a luxury experience, ensuring that even in a crisis, you feel safe and cared for.
Knowing exactly what steps to take in the first few minutes after an injury can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. While our team is ready to provide emergency dental care as soon as you reach our office, there are immediate measures you can take at home to stabilize your condition. If you are currently in pain or have suffered dental trauma, please call our Chicago dental office immediately at (312) 787-2131. We treat every patient like family and will do everything possible to see you quickly.
Managing Severe Toothaches
A severe toothache is often a sign that an infection has reached the nerve of the tooth. Until you can see us, your goal is to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and soothe irritated gum tissue. Use dental floss to gently remove any food particles that may be wedged between your teeth, as this pressure can sometimes mimic the pain of a deeper infection.
If you notice swelling in your cheek or jaw, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 20 minutes at a time. This helps constrict blood vessels and numb the area. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, but never place aspirin directly against the gums, as the acid can burn your soft tissue. If the pain persists, call our dentist’s office near you at (312) 787-2131 to schedule an exam. We can determine if you need dental bonding and fillings or more advanced therapy to resolve the issue.
Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth
Having a mature tooth knocked out (avulsed) is one of the most critical dental emergencies. Time is the enemy here; for the best chance of reimplantation, you need to see a dentist within one hour. Locate the tooth immediately and pick it up by the crown (the white chewing surface), avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with water, but do not use soap or scrub it, as you want to preserve the living cells on the root surface.
Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket carefully and bite down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot get the tooth back in, you must keep it moist. Place it in a container of milk or hold it inside your cheek. Do not store it in tap water. Call us immediately at (312) 787-2131. If the tooth cannot be saved, we specialize in implant dentistry to provide a natural-looking, permanent replacement that functions just like your original tooth.
Dealing with Broken or Chipped Teeth
Chipped or broken teeth are common injuries, often resulting from biting down on hard foods or sports-related accidents. If a piece of your tooth has broken off, try to find it and save it, as we may be able to bond it back in place. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gauze if there is any bleeding. If the remaining tooth has a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax.
For significant breaks, we utilize same-day crowns using CEREC technology. This allows us to design, mill, and place a permanent, custom-fit ceramic crown in a single visit, sparing you the hassle of temporaries. If the damage is purely cosmetic, we can discuss porcelain veneers or bonding to restore the aesthetics of your smile seamlessly.
Addressing Lost Crowns or Fillings
It can be startling when a crown or filling falls out while eating. This leaves the sensitive underlying tooth structure exposed to air, temperature, and bacteria. If you lose a crown, locate it and bring it to your appointment. In the meantime, you can coat the inside of the crown with over-the-counter dental cement, denture adhesive, or even toothpaste to temporarily slip it back onto the tooth.
Do not use super glue or household adhesives, as these are toxic and can damage the tooth, making repair more difficult. If you have lost a filling, placing a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity can protect it until you reach our office. Call (312) 787-2131 so we can re-cement your restoration or provide a new one before decay sets in.
Managing Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums can bleed profusely due to the high volume of blood vessels in the mouth. If you have a laceration or puncture wound, rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution. Use a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag to apply firm, continuous pressure to the bleeding site for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop after this time, or if the cut is deep, you may need to visit an emergency room. However, for issues related to gum disease therapy or irritation from dental appliances, our office is the appropriate place for care. We can assess the trauma and prescribe necessary treatments to promote healing and prevent infection.
Orthodontic Emergencies
For patients straightening their teeth, broken hardware can be a source of significant discomfort. If a wire from your braces breaks and is poking your cheek, try to use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it into a more comfortable position. If that doesn’t work, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax. Do not cut the wire unless absolutely necessary, as you could swallow the piece or inhale it.
If you are an Invisalign patient and lose an aligner, contact us for guidance. We may advise you to move to the next tray in your series or wear the previous one to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Keeping your treatment on track is essential, so please reach out to our team at (312) 787-2131 with any concerns about your aligners or attachments.
Overcoming Anxiety During a Crisis
We understand that a dental emergency is stressful enough without adding the fear of the dentist’s chair. At Water Tower Dental Care, we are committed to making your urgent visit as relaxing as possible. We offer a unique comfort menu that includes amenities like Bose noise-canceling headphones to block out sounds and ceiling-mounted TVs so you can distract yourself with entertainment.
For those who need pharmaceutical assistance to relax, we offer sedation dentistry. Whether you need Nitrous Oxide to take the edge off or oral sedation for deeper relaxation, we can tailor your experience to your anxiety level. Do not let fear prevent you from seeking the urgent care you need.
Essential First Aid Kit Items for Dental Issues
Being prepared can alleviate panic when an emergency occurs. We recommend keeping a small dental first aid kit in your home or travel bag. Useful items include:
- A small container with a lid (for saving teeth or crowns).
- Sterile gauze pads.
- Orthodontic wax.
- Over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen).
- Dentist’s contact information saved in your phone.
Having these supplies on hand allows you to manage the situation effectively while you wait to see one of our dentists near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe facial swelling that impacts your vision, the emergency room is usually not the best place for dental pain. They cannot perform dental procedures and will likely only provide pain medication. Our office is equipped to treat the root cause.
If your dentures crack or break, do not try to repair them yourself with glue. This can ruin the appliance and damage your tissues. Call us for a professional repair or adjustment.
You can take aspirin as a pill to swallow for pain relief, but never crush it and place it on the tooth or gums. This causes a chemical burn that can be painful and damage the soft tissue.
While a small chip may not hurt, it weakens the tooth and can leave sharp edges. It is best to call us to determine how quickly you need to be seen to prevent further fracture.
Your Partner in Dental Health on the Magnificent Mile
At Water Tower Dental Care, we believe that you deserve exceptional care, especially when you are vulnerable and in pain. From our freshly made fruit smoothies to our advanced digital imaging, every detail of our practice is designed with your well-being in mind. Dr. Aneszko, Dr. Stino, and Dr. Moran are here to restore your smile and your peace of mind.
If you are facing a dental emergency, acting fast is the best way to ensure a positive outcome. Do not wait for the pain to worsen.
Click the button below to request an urgent appointment or call us directly at (312) 787-2131 for immediate assistance.
