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Emergency Dentist— Chesterton, IN

Stopping Pain & Saving Smiles

Man in pain during dental emergency

Even if you take precautions, dental emergencies can happen at nearly any time and place.  That means there’s always a risk – however slight – that you’ll suffer an urgent oral issue. With that said, there’s no need to worry; your emergency dentist in Chesterton is always ready to help. Dr. Hayes, Dr. Lent, and the whole team at Advanced Dental Concepts will gladly get your grin fixed up. As for the details, simply keep reading or book a same-day visit soon!

Why Choose Advanced Dental Concepts for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Patients of All Ages Welcome
  • Caring Dentists Who Offer a Wide Range of Treatments

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

A woman seeing her dentist for a dental emergency

Dental emergencies may seem scary, but you don’t need to panic over having one. Our team will walk you through how we treat them. In fact, you can expect the following from your visit:

  • A Same-Day Appointment – Once you call us, we’ll book you for the earliest possible visit. (You may even see us on the very same day!) Our team can also provide first-aid tips over the phone.
  • An Emergency Exam – You’ll receive an oral exam when you first arrive at our office. Through this assessment, we can diagnose your issue and decide how best to relieve your pain.
  • A Review of Findings – Our dentists will share their findings after the exam and suggest suitable procedures. Afterward, they’ll draft a custom treatment plan based on your feedback.
  • Crucial Dental Work –  With the treatment plan drafted, we’ll get to work on your oral health issue(s). Rest assured that our team will do a great job; we have a high level of skill and experience! In other words, we’re prepared to give you dental crowns, fillings, or whatever else you need for a healthy grin.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

It’s best to call us when you have a dental emergency, as we’ll treat you quickly and precisely. Still, you can do things to handle your problem yourself before you visit. You simply need to click one (or more) of the icons below and use the related tips and tricks. By adopting these methods, you’ll be in better shape when you arrive for care and receive a smoother treatment.

Root Canal Therapy

Woman receiving root canal treatment

Many patients are nervous when their dentist suggests a root canal, but the truth is that if you want to relieve the pain of a toothache, this treatment is often the best option available. Your tooth contains an inner layer called pulp that can cause persistent pain if it becomes infected; root canal therapy lets us access the pulp and remove it along with other harmful substances. Afterward, we can clean the tooth’s structure, fill it with a biocompatible substance, and seal it to protect from further damage. The placement of a crown is normally the last step.

Tooth Extractions

Metal clasp holding extracted tooth

There are plenty of ways we can protect and preserve your teeth, but sometimes an extraction is the only option to keep the rest of your smile safe. We’ll make sure that the procedure is performed as safely and comfortably as possible. Extractions are normally the last resort that may be recommended when:

  • A damaged or decayed tooth doesn’t have enough natural structure remaining to support a crown or other type of restoration.
  • Your teeth are overcrowded and one or more need to be removed so that orthodontic treatment can be performed.
  • You are receiving full dentures and need to make space in the arch.
  • You have wisdom teeth that have become impacted or are otherwise threatening your oral health.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

A patient calculating the cost of their dental care.

The cost of dental emergencies often varies, as urgent oral issues aren’t all the same. You’ll ultimately have to consult our dentists for a precise treatment estimate. Even so, you can trust we’ll do our best to keep your care affordable and within your budget. Our team will explain your treatment’s pricing factors, the potential role of dental insurance, and other key details. At the same time, we can outline some of our practice’s helpful payment options.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

A happy woman admiring her smile in a hand mirror

Dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, but you can take steps to make them less likely. Simply follow the guidelines below:

  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing prevent plaque buildup, so stick to these habits as best you can.
  • Get Frequent Checkups – Attend dental checkups (and cleanings) at least every six months. That way, a dentist can diagnose and treat your small oral problems before they worsen.
  • Avoid Bad Oral Habits – You shouldn’t use teeth to open packages; rely on proper tools instead.
  • Use a Mouthguard – Using a sportsguard in athletic events will protect your mouth from injuries, and wearing a nightguard to bed will prevent teeth grinding.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Problems?

If you have a severe medical problem, like a broken arm or a possible concussion, you already likely know the best way to get help fast is to head to the closest emergency room right away. But what about if you’re having an oral issue, like a severe or persistent ache, or a lost or damaged tooth or restoration? Generally, it’s usually best to visit our team in Chesterton first because our providers have specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment designed to handle dental concerns. However, you should go straight to the ER if you have sustained serious cuts or lacerations that won’t stop bleeding, have a fractured or dislocated jaw, or have an abscess of infection interfering with your ability to swallow or breathe normally.

Do Toothaches Eventually Go Away on Their Own?

You might feel tempted to wait to contact our office regarding a toothache if you’re convinced it will fade in time, but unfortunately, that’s usually not the case. There are many potential causes, but most oral issues get worse over time rather than better. In fact, if you have a severe or persistent ache that suddenly subsides, it could mean that you developed an infection harmful enough to kill the tender roots in the pulp of the affected tooth. You’ll still need our help to clear away decay and disease, and restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality. 

How Can I Sleep with Tooth Pain?

Dental emergencies can happen at any time of day or night, and if you develop a toothache in the evening or over the weekend, you might have to wait to contact our office for help. Getting plenty of rest is essential for healing, but intensely throbbing teeth can interrupt your sleep and leave you frustrated and irritable, in addition to causing pain. If your aches intensify when you lie down to rest, you might try propping your head up on a pile of pillows or dozing off in your favorite recliner. This prevents blood from pooling behind your tooth, which increases the pressure placed on the tender nerves.

What Should I Keep In My Personal Dental Emergency Kit?

Although you can’t predict when you’ll have a dental emergency, you can do your best to be ready to handle whatever might occur. Putting together a kit to keep at home, at work, or in your car ensures you’ll have everything you need in case of an unexpected problem. Some helpful items to include are:
Gauze pads or cotton balls.
Sterile gloves.
Small storage container for lost teeth or restorations.
Dental cement or temporary filling.
Denture adhesive if you use it.
Pain relievers like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Orajel.
Ice pack.
Bottled water.
Travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
Contact information for our office in Chesterton.