Emergency Dental Care in Park Ridge & Mt. Prospect, IL

Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and when they strike, getting the right care quickly makes all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with a broken tooth, a traumatic dental injury, or a severe toothache, Northwest Dental Specialists in Park Ridge and Mt. Prospect is here to help. Our experienced care team offers a full range of emergency dental care services to relieve discomfort, protect your oral health, and prevent further damage.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

When you’re in pain, the first step is identifying the root cause. We treat various emergencies, including:

Cracked or Broken Teeth

A cracked tooth may not always be visible, but it can cause serious discomfort and weaken the structure of your smile. If you experience sharp pain when biting down, avoid chewing on the affected side and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Our dentists can determine whether a filling, crown, or root canal is needed to preserve the tooth.

Traumatic Dental Injuries

Sports accidents, falls, or unexpected impacts can dislodge a tooth or knock it out of alignment. In these cases, immediate attention is critical. Keep any pieces of the tooth moist and contact our dentist’s office right away.

Severe Toothache or Abscess

A persistent or severe toothache often signals deeper issues, like an infection or dental abscess. Along with throbbing pain, you may notice swelling, bleeding gums, or sensitivity to temperature. While a counter pain reliever can offer temporary relief, only a dentist can stop the infection and prevent it from spreading.

What to Do Before You Arrive at Our Office

Facing a dental emergency can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps before you reach our office can minimize discomfort and prevent further complications. Until you can get to our office, here are a few tips to manage discomfort:

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Avoid chewing near the affected tooth.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water.
• Take a counter pain reliever as directed (never place aspirin directly on your gums).
• If a tooth is chipped, cover any sharp edges with dental wax to prevent injury to your tongue or cheeks.

If you’re unsure whether to visit the emergency room or schedule an appointment with our dentist, please give us a call. Many oral emergencies are best treated by a dentist, where you’ll receive appropriate treatment options without unnecessary wait times.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Services vs. Wait for a Routine Visit

Not every dental issue requires a same-day appointment, but certain signs mean it’s time to act fast. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t wait. Emergency dental care may be needed if you notice:

• Intense, lingering toothache
• A broken tooth with exposed nerve or sharp edges
• Pus, swelling, or foul taste in the mouth (possible dental abscess)
• Trauma that causes loose or knocked-out teeth
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure

In contrast, minor sensitivity or a small chip without pain can often be addressed during a regular appointment. If you’re unsure, our care team can guide you over the phone and determine if you need immediate attention or a scheduled visit.

Trust Northwest Dental Specialists for Emergency Dentistry

At Northwest Dental Specialists in Park Ridge and Mt. Prospect, we understand that emergencies can be overwhelming. That’s why we reserve time in our schedule for urgent visits and work quickly to relieve your pain and protect your smile.

Whether you need a same-day root canal, treatment for a dental abscess, or help with a broken tooth, our experienced team is ready to help you move forward comfortably. Call us at (847) 398-0404 to schedule an appointment!