Emergency Dentistry 

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Emergency Dentistry In Oak Park

Get out of pain and back to full health.

Whether you’re suffering from a dental injury, a restoration failure or a toothache, we’re available to offer you rapid pain relief, and help guide you through the best way to preserve your tooth before you reach us. Depending on the extent of the problem, there may still be time to fully save your tooth.

If you’re in pain but the tooth still feels intact, we still advise getting in touch with our office immediately. Pain is an indicator that something truly concerning has occurred. Without coming in for treatment, the underlying issue will be left to fester, and could lead to greater pain down the line. The best thing to do is call us immediately and come in for a same-day appointment.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

How to respond to a dental emergency

Relieve the pain. Not only does pain make it hard to think rationally, it also can prevent you from being able to do some regular tasks. Since your mouth is particularly sensitive, it can seem unbearable. We suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen that can reduce pain and any swelling, too. If you don’t have any pain relievers on-hand, ice can help reduce the pain, but be gentle around the injured or painful area.

Preserve the damaged or avulsed tooth. No good will come of trying to force the tooth back together or keep it in place. It’s best to keep from applying pressure to the tooth and allowing it to remain in place. If the tooth has been knocked-out or chipped, keep the missing piece cool and moist until you can get to our office.

Contact a dentist immediately. Our team of dentists always have time for dental emergencies and will do our best to accommodate you and your particular injury. We will be able to provide more permanent pain relief and have nitrous sedation available to calm you down and remove any discomfort. Call us at (708) 524-0330 to schedule a same-day appointment.

Same-day appointments

Are you in pain? In need of a dentist that can see you promptly? We are here to help. The office of Dr. Murphy has four dentists and a large team that can prioritize your condition. We have flexible office hours and cutting-edge dental equipment to help you in your hour of need. So don’t wait! Call our Oak Park practice at (708) 524-0330.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Bleeding from the mouth following a facial injury can be alarming—but quick action can make all the difference. First, gently rinse your mouth with cold water to help clear away blood and assess the injury. Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding site with clean gauze or a soft cloth. Avoid aspirin, as it can thin your blood and worsen bleeding; stick to acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Even if the bleeding slows or stops, it’s essential to call our office right away for a same-day evaluation. Some injuries might appear minor but can cause complications if left untreated. Our team will evaluate the damage, stop persistent bleeding, and provide the urgent care you need to protect your oral health.

A dental abscess can sneak up on you, but your mouth has ways of waving a red flag when there’s trouble brewing beneath the surface. Watch for persistent or throbbing pain, swelling in your gums or face, and a noticeable bump near the affected tooth. Sometimes, you’ll notice redness, sensitivity to hot or cold, or even a bad taste—thanks to pus draining from the site.

 

If you notice swelling under your jaw or difficulty opening your mouth, take it seriously. These are signs the infection could be spreading, and prompt attention is crucial. Don’t wait—call our office for advice and care if you notice any of these symptoms.

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the gums or at the root of a tooth. This buildup of bacteria can cause notable pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the affected area. Unlike a simple toothache, an abscess signals that the infection has advanced beyond the tooth’s surface and is now putting surrounding teeth, bone, and sometimes even your general health at risk.

 

What makes an abscess particularly concerning is its potential to spread. If left untreated, the infection can travel through the jawbone and bloodstream, leading to much more severe health issues, including systemic illness. Common warning signs include persistent pain, gum swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or even a fever.

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact our office right away. Timely treatment can stop the infection, ease your pain, and prevent lasting damage to your teeth and overall wellness.

Handling Broken Braces or Wires

 

Broken wires or loose brackets can be more than an annoyance—they may poke your cheek, gums, or tongue, causing discomfort and even injury. If this happens, don’t panic! Start by gently moving the wire into a more comfortable position using a cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil—nothing sharp. If you can’t reposition it, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax (available at most drugstores), a small piece of cotton, or even sugarless chewing gum to protect your mouth until you can get professional help.

 

Resist the urge to cut the wire yourself—this could lead to accidental swallowing or further injury. Your best bet is to call our office as soon as possible so our dental team can address the issue quickly and safely, getting you back on track with your orthodontic treatment and out of discomfort.

Most dental practices provide a wide array of services designed to care for all your oral health needs under one roof. Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Preventive Care: Regular exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, and fluoride treatments all work together to keep your smile healthy and prevent future issues.
  • Restorative Treatments: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals are just a few ways dentists can repair damage and restore function if you’ve experienced decay or injury.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Looking to brighten your smile? Treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding can enhance the look of your teeth.
  • Pediatric Services: Most offices welcome children, offering kid-friendly care like dental sealants, fluoride varnishes, and advice for parents about home hygiene.
  • Emergency Dentistry: Accidents happen! Whether it’s a toothache, broken tooth, or a lost filling, your dentist can address urgent concerns quickly.
  • Periodontal Care: Gum health is critical, and many practices offer deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), evaluations, and treatments for gum disease.

By offering these services, dental practices aim to be your partner in maintaining—and improving—your oral health throughout every stage of life.