1209 Dundee Avenue Elgin, IL 60120
DENTAL EMERGENCY
Dental emergencies are very common among children. Approximately one third of children have experienced some type of dental emergency. There are two high risk periods for dental trauma – the first is toddlerhood (18-40 months) when environmental exploration begins, and the second is the preadolescent/adolescent period, when sporting injuries become common.
DENTAL VIDEO
TOOTHACHE
Toothache is common in children of all ages. Impacted food can cause discomfort in young children, and can be dislodged using a toothbrush or dental floss. If pain persists, contact the pediatric dentist. Some other common causes of toothache include: tooth fractures, tooth decay, tooth trauma, and wisdom teeth eruption.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Cleanse the area using warm water.
- Check for impacted food and remove it as necessary.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- Contact the pediatric dentist to seek advice.
DENTAL AVULSION
If a tooth has been knocked-out of the mouth completely, it is important to contact the pediatric dentist immediately. The reimplantation procedure is almost always more successful if it is performed within one hour of the avulsion, so time is of the great importance!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Recover the tooth. Do not touch the tooth roots
- Rinse off dirt with water without scrubbing the tooth.
- For older children, insert the tooth into its original socket using gentle pressure, or encourage the child to place the tooth in the cheek pouch. For younger children, submerge the tooth in a glass of milk or saliva
- Do not allow the tooth to dry during transportation.
- Visit the pediatric dentist (where possible) or take the child to the Emergency Room immediately
DENTAL INTRUSION (WHEN THE TOOTH IS PUSHED INTO JAWBONE)
Dental trauma can also push a tooth (or several teeth) upwards into the jawbone. The prognosis is better for teeth that have been pushed less than 3mm. In certain cases, the force of the trauma is great enough to injure the tooth’s ligament and fracture its socket.
Depending on the nature and depth of the intrusion, the pediatric dentist can either wait for the tooth to descend naturally, or perform root canal therapy to preserve the structure of the tooth.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Rinse the child’s mouth with cold water.
- Place ice packs around affected areas to reduce swelling.
- Offer Tylenol for pain relief.
- Contact your Elgin pediatric dentist where possible, or proceed to the Emergency Room.
TOOTH LUXATION/EXTRUSION/LATERAL DISPLACEMENT
Tooth displacement is in general classified as “luxation,” “extrusion,” or “lateral displacement”. A luxated tooth remains in its socket – with the pulp intact about half of the time. However, the tooth protrudes at an unnatural angle and the jawbone is often fractured.
The term “extrusion” refers to a tooth that has become partly removed from its socket. Dental treatment should be sought for permanent teeth that have been displaced in order to save the tooth and prevent infection. Contact the pediatric dentist if displacement is suspected.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Place a cold, moist compress on the affected area.
- Offer pain relief (for example, Children’s Tylenol).
- Contact the pediatric dentist immediately.
CROWN FRACTURE
In many cases, the crown is the part of the tooth that is affected by trauma. There are several classifications of crown fracture, going from minor enamel cracks that are not emergency to pulp exposure that require immediate treatment.
The pediatric dentist can readily assess the severity of the fracture using dental X-rays, but any change in tooth color is an emergency warning sign. In the case of crown fracture, the pediatric dentist should be contacted.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Rinse the child’s mouth with warm water.
- Place a cold, moist compress on the affected area.
- Offer strong pain relief (for example, Children’s Tylenol).
- Pack the tooth with a biocompatible material.
- Visit the pediatric dentist or Emergency Room
ROOT FRACTURE
A root fracture is caused by direct trauma, and is not noticeable to the naked eye. Dental x-rays need to be taken when suspecting the root fracture. Depending on the exact positioning of the fracture and the child’s level of discomfort, the tooth can be treated, or extracted as the worst case scenario.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Place a cold compress on the affected area.
- Offer pain relief (for example, Children’s Tylenol).
- Contact your Elgin pediatric dentist.
DENTAL CONCUSSION
A tooth that has not been dislodged from its socket or fractured, but has received a bang or knock, can be described as “concussed.” This occurs often in toddlers. Dental concussion can cause the tooth to discolor permanently or temporarily. Contact your pediatric dentist for the examination and possible treatment.
INJURED CHEEK, LIP OR TONGUE
If the child’s cheek, lip or tongue is bleeding due to an accidental cut or bite, apply firm direct pressure to the area using clean gauze. To reduce swelling, apply ice to the affected areas. If the bleeding becomes uncontrollable, proceed to the Emergency Room or call a medical professional immediately.
FRACTURED JAW
If a broken or fractured jaw is suspected, proceed immediately to the Emergency Room. Encourage the child not to move the jaw.
HEAD INJURY/HEAD TRAUMA
If the child has received trauma to the head, proceed immediately to the Emergency Room.
If you have questions about dental emergencies, please ask your Elgin pediatric dentist.
DENTISTRY NEAR ME AND ORTHODONTICS SERVICES
Dental Crown
GENERAL DENTISTRY
We have affordable total dental crown replacement in a number of styles. Call us today to discuss your dental crown case.
Fillings
GENERAL DENTISTRY
If you need fast fillings, replacing a filling, or just want to replace metal for ceramic we have awesome options.
Braces
COSMETIC DENTAL
We'll help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We have both traditional and clear braces. We have your orthodontics needs covered.
Dentures
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Need dentures? We have the tools and team to repair or replace your existing dentures. Need new dentures?
Root-Canal
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Now offering pain-free root canals treatment. Providing local sedation, we get to the root of the problem quickly. Stop the pain.
Invisalign
COSMETIC DENTAL
The latest in invisible braces treatment. Embrace a fashionable, invisble, and easy way to straighten your teeth quickly.
Implants
GENERAL DENTISTRY
We have dental implant specialists that will provide a free consultation. $500 off on dental implants.
Tooth Removal
GENERAL DENTISTRY
We offer fast and affordable and pain-free tooth removal services. Ask about our emergency dental plans and quick removal solutions.
Teeth-Whitening
COSTMETIC DENTISTRY
We offer a variety of teeth whitening solutions from in-office whitening to take home trays. Free whitening (take-home trays only) are available for new patients after completion of a comprehensive exam.
CONTACT US
We encourage you to contact us via phone or email. Please use the contact form to the right to contact us via email. For directions to the office, please click the map below. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to hear from you!
Office Hours
| Monday | 10:00 to 6:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 to 6:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 to 8:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 to 6:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 to 6:00 |
| Saturday | 8:00 to 3:00 |
| Sunday | Appointment only |