Emergency Dentistry
In the case of a dental emergency, the Vernon Hills and Gurnee pediatric dentists of Affiliated Dental Specialists are here to help you. No matter how big or small, we know that when your child experiences a dental emergency it can be very frightening. We are here to help and make sure that any incident involving your child’s teeth and mouth is taken care of in the safest and most comforting way.
Have You Experienced a Dental Emergency?
If your child has experienced any kind of dental emergency, please contact one of our Gurnee or Vernon Hills pediatric dentistry offices for immediate assistance. We serve patients from all around Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Grayslake, Libertyville, Lindenhurst and the surrounding communities. You don’t have to be a current patient of ours to come see us during an emergency; our doors are open to you and your family!
Vernon Hills Office Phone: (847) 367-6055 Gurnee Office Phone: (847) 263-1842
What You Can Do At Home
Loose Baby Tooth:
Many times a permanent tooth will erupt a little behind or in front of its corresponding baby tooth. This is called ectopic tooth eruption. If you notice you child has 2 rows of teeth or “double teeth” it is not an emergency. Try to help your child wiggle out the loose baby tooth. If you are having trouble, call Affiliated Dental Specialists for an evaluation.
Toothache:
Clean area of affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge possible impacted food or debris. DO NOT PLACE ASPIRIN ON THE GUM OR DIRECTLY ON THE ACHING TOOTH. If face is swollen, apply cold compresses. Call Affiliated Dental Specialists to be seen as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek:
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding apply firm, but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take child to hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth:
First, find the tooth if possible. Be sure to handle by its crown, not the root. Rinse the tooth, but DO NOT CLEAN OR HANDLE THE TOOTH UNNECESSARILY. If tooth appears sound, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. Otherwise, carry the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva, milk, water, or carried in the patient’s mouth. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. Call Affiliated Dental Specialists to have your child seen IMMEDIATELY.
Broken Tooth:
Rinse any dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over your child’s face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. If the tooth is sensitive or sharp, you can go to a pharmacy and purchase dental wax or temporary dental cement to cover the area. Call our office for immediate care.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have any questions about how to deal with a dental emergency, or if your child has experienced one, please give one of our offices a call. We happily serve children in and around Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Lindenhurst and Grayslake, IL. One of our friendly team members will be happy to assist you and give you advice on what is best to do. Dental emergencies are rare but they do happen, and when they do, Affiliated Dental Specialists is here to help you!