The Dental Emergencies We See Most
Emergencies feel chaotic, but they tend to arrive in a handful of recognizable forms. Below is what walks through our door most often in Naperville, IL, along with how Dr. Brammeier treats each one. Nearly all of them respond well to prompt care.
Severe Toothache
A toothache can be debilitating when it hits. Often that severe tooth pain points to an infection, a deep cavity, or a cracked tooth demanding immediate attention. We pinpoint the cause and deliver effective pain relief, frequently in the same visit.
About Toothaches
Infected Tooth
By clearing away the damaged tissue inside, a root canal rescues a severely infected or decayed tooth. Watch for swelling, sensitivity to temperature, and severe throbbing pain. Comfortable and effective, modern root canal treatment is often the best way to save your natural tooth.
About Root CanalsWhen a Tooth Is Broken, Damaged, or Lost
Knocked-Out or Dislodged Tooth
Immediate attention matters when a tooth is knocked out, dislodged, or partially pushed in. Trained to reposition, stabilize, and treat injured teeth, Dr. Brammeier can often save the tooth when you act quickly. Head for our office and call along the way so the room is ready when you arrive.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A crack or fracture may appear suddenly after trauma or build slowly over time from grinding and biting forces. Some bring severe pain while others stay painless, so how it feels is a poor guide to how serious it is. After locating the crack and gauging its severity, Dr. Brammeier recommends the best course of action, and many can be treated with root canal therapy.
A Tooth That Cannot Be Saved
Once a tooth is too damaged to save, tooth extraction brings immediate pain relief and stops the spread of infection. Modern anesthetics and Dr. Brammeier's experience have made extractions far less painful than they used to be, with many patients reporting little or no discomfort. If you tend to feel nervous, calming sedation keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure.
About Extractions
In a dental emergency, time matters. Call us now for same-day care.
Other Problems Worth a Phone Call
Lost Filling or Crown
- The tooth underneath is now unprotected and vulnerable to decay and further breakage.
- Hold on to the crown if you found it and bring it along.
- Chew on the other side and call us before a small repair turns into a large one.
Abscess or Facial Swelling
- A bump on the gums, a foul taste, swelling, or fever can all point to an abscess.
- Dental infections do not resolve on their own and can spread.
- Call the same day so we can treat the infection and the tooth causing it.
Not sure which of these matches your situation? Our what to do right now page walks through the first steps, or call (630) 548-2300 and describe it.