Emergency Dentistry Specialist
Healthy Smile Dental
Hannah Baek, DDS
Dentist located in Woodridge, IL
As a highly-skilled dentist, Dr. Hannah Baek is knowledgeable and always prepared to respond to dental emergencies. Emergency dentistry involves treatments for unexpected pain or damage to your teeth and gums. Dr. Baek encourages patients to contact her practice, Healthy Smile Dental, in the case of a dental emergency situation to avoid risking further damage to their teeth. Please contact her office in Woodridge, Illinois with any urgent questions you may have.
Emergency Dentistry Q & A
What is considered emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry involves treatment for trauma to the mouth through an accident or other means that has caused damage to the teeth and gums.
While some situations can wait until Dr. Baek’s regular office hours, others may need immediate attention. If you’re unsure, call her practice so the knowledgeable staff can advise you about the best course of action.
What situations call for emergency dentistry?
The most common dental emergencies include:
- Toothaches
- Chipped or broken teeth
- A knocked-out tooth
- An extruded (i.e., partially dislodged) tooth
- Objects caught between teeth
- A lost filling or crown
- Broken braces and wires
- Loose brackets and bands
- Abscess (a type of oral infection)
- Soft-tissue injuries
If you experience any of these incidents, contact Dr. Baek’s office for immediate advice about when to come in, and what actions you should take in the meantime. If the office is closed, please leave a voicemail. All voice messages are immediately forwarded to Dr. Baek and she will return your call promptly. If none of these options are available, the safest step is to visit the nearest emergency room for assessment.
In the case of a lost tooth, it may be possible to reset it. You’ll increase your chances of saving it by taking certain steps when a tooth is knocked out:
- Do not touch the roots of the tooth.
- If possible replace the tooth into the socket or hold it in your cheek.
- If you can’t put it in your mouth, put the tooth in a small container of cow’s milk to help preserve it.
- Call your dentist as soon as possible so they can prepare for your arrival.
How can I avoid dental emergencies?
As most dental emergencies are caused by accidents, these situations usually aren’t predictable. However, there are precautionary measures you’ll need to take in order to reduce the risk of encountering them.
Wearing a mouthguard is recommended when playing sports, because it serves as the first line of defense in the protection your teeth. Other general preventive measures include regular brushing of teeth and careful chewing. Also, you should never use your teeth as a tool to pry things open. Additionally, avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, as they all leave you vulnerable to tooth damage.