Dental Emergency

Do You Have a Dental Emergency?

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. No matter the type or severity, it’s important to seek prompt care from an emergency dentist. Acting quickly can reduce pain, prevent infection, and decrease the risk of permanent damage.

We’re Here for You!

At Lakemoor Dental, our experienced dental team prioritizes emergencies—even if they occur beyond regular business hours. Using advanced technology and modern amenities, we’re equipped to provide the highest level of emergency dental care.

Our offices are staffed with general dentists, oral surgeons, and endodontists (root canal specialists) to deliver comprehensive treatment under one roof. You can trust us to stay calm and caring when a dental emergency arises.

Below are general steps you can take before seeing a dentist. These are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice. Always consult a dental professional as soon as possible.

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Toothache

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.

• Use dental floss to remove any lodged food.

• If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.

• Do not place aspirin or painkillers directly on the gums—they can burn the tissue.

• Schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

• Save any broken pieces.

• Rinse your mouth and the pieces with warm water.

• Apply gauze to stop bleeding if needed.

• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain.

• See your dentist promptly.

Knocked-Out Tooth

• Hold the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.

• Rinse gently with water if dirty—don’t scrub or remove attached tissue.

• Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible, without forcing it.

• If not, store the tooth in milk, a saltwater solution, or a tooth preservation kit (like Save-a-Tooth).

• See a dentist immediately—ideally within one hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Extruded (Partially Dislodged) Tooth

• Apply a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

• See your dentist right away.

Lost Filling or Crown

• Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

• If the tooth is sensitive, apply clove oil with a cotton swab for temporary relief.

• If you can, gently place the crown back over the tooth using dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive.

• Do not use super glue.

Broken Braces Wires

• If a wire is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, gently push it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil.

• If that’s not possible, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or gauze.

• Never cut the wire yourself.

• See your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Loose Brackets or Bands

• If a bracket is loose, use orthodontic wax to hold it in place temporarily.

• Save any loose bands and call your orthodontist for repair or replacement.

• Avoid manipulating the braces until your appointment.

Abscess

• An abscess is a serious infection near the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth.

• It can damage tissue and spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

• Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) several times a day.

• See your dentist immediately.

Injury to Gums, Tongue, Cheeks, or Lips (Bleeding)

• Rinse gently with a mild saltwater solution.

• Apply pressure with a moist piece of gauze or a tea bag for 15–20 minutes.

• Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth for 5–10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.

• If bleeding persists, seek immediate medical attention at a dental office or emergency room.

Emergency Dental Treatment

If you have a dental emergency, call one of our offices or book online for urgent care. If you experience a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

We treat a wide range of traumatic dental injuries, including teeth that have been chipped, displaced, or knocked out entirely. Please call for assistance—our team is ready to help.

Lakemoor Dental Locations

Lakemoor Dental of Lakemoor 28956 W IL Route 120, Lakemoor, IL 60050 📞 (815) 363-8888

Lakemoor Dental of Hainesville 80 E Belvidere Rd, Hainesville, IL 60031 📞 (847) 986-6300

Lakemoor Dental of Arlington Heights 23 S Vail Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 📞 (847) 749-1780

Lakemoor Dental of Elk Grove Village 717 Meacham Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 📞 (847) 744-6240

Lakemoor Dental of McHenry (Green St) 1112 N Green St, McHenry, IL 60051 📞 (779) 704-5162

Lakemoor Dental of McHenry (Route 31) 2062 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60051 📞 (815) 322-9590

Lakemoor Dental of Round Lake Beach 2584 N IL 83, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073 📞 (847) 752-9490

About Lakemoor Dental

Lakemoor Dental proudly serves communities across McHenry, Johnsburg, Lake Villa, Grayslake, Wauconda, Round Lake, Hainesville, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

With seven modern offices equipped with advanced 3D dental technology, our goal is to provide families with convenient, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care close to home.