Emergency Dental Care & Toothaches

Severe injury? If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

01Pain

Toothaches

A toothache can mean decay, a cracked tooth, an infection or a problem with the gum. Finding the cause early often means a simpler fix.

What it is: An exam and x-ray to find the cause, then treatment.
Who it helps: Anyone with a lasting, sharp or throbbing tooth pain.
What to expect: Relief first, then a plan. Treatment may be a filling, a root canal or another fix.

Root canal therapy →

02Damage

Broken or chipped teeth

We treat a range of injuries, including teeth that have been chipped, cracked or moved out of place.

What it is: Repairing the tooth with bonding, a filling or a crown.
Who it helps: Anyone who has chipped or broken a tooth.
What to expect: Save any pieces and bring them with you. Rinse with warm water and use a cold pack for swelling.

Crowns →Bonding →

03Act fast

Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth can sometimes be saved if it is put back quickly. Time matters.

What it is: Placing the tooth back and holding it in position while it heals.
Who it helps: Children and adults with a knocked-out permanent tooth.
What to expect: Call right away and follow the steps below on the way in.

04Right now

What to do right now

Call the officeCall (773) 238-3500 and tell us what happened. We will find you the earliest time we can.
Knocked-out toothHold it by the top, not the root. Rinse gently, try to put it back in, or keep it in milk.
Broken toothSave the pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water and hold a cold pack on your cheek.
Pain and swellingUse a cold pack on the outside of your cheek. Do not put aspirin on the gum.
Severe injuryHeavy bleeding, a broken jaw or trouble breathing: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Call (773) 238-3500

Questions we hear often

Can I be seen the same day for a dental emergency?

Call (773) 238-3500 as soon as you can. The practice is by appointment only, and we will find you the earliest time we can.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick the tooth up by the top (the crown), not the root. Rinse it gently if dirty, and try to put it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it in a cup of milk and call right away. Being seen quickly gives the best chance of saving it.

When should I go to the hospital instead?

If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What if my toothache goes away?

Pain that stops can still mean a problem, such as an infected nerve. Call to book a visit so Dr. Norfleet can check it.

Toothache or broken tooth? Call first.

Toothaches

Broken or chipped teeth

Knocked-out tooth

What to do right now

Questions we hear often

Other ways we look after your family

Dental emergency? Call now.