Dental emergencies happen fast—and in most cases, what you do in the first 30–60 minutes determines whether a tooth can be saved.
If you’ve been searching for an “emergency dentist near me” or even the “best dentist near me” after a dental injury, you’re likely dealing with:
A knocked-out tooth
A broken or fractured tooth
Severe pain or bleeding
Trauma from a fall, accident, or sports injury
At our office in Schererville, Indiana, we treat dental emergencies for patients throughout Munster, Dyer, St. John, Highland, Merrillville, Crown Point, and many who travel from Chicago for immediate and comprehensive care.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do—step by step—depending on the situation.
Dental trauma can feel overwhelming, but quick action can make the difference between:
Saving a natural tooth
Needing a replacement (implant or bridge)
Regardless of the situation:
Stay calm
Control bleeding
Locate any broken or missing tooth fragments
Avoid touching sensitive areas unnecessarily
Then follow the specific steps below.
This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies.
Pick it up by the crown (top)
Do NOT touch the root
Use milk or saline
Avoid scrubbing or using soap
Place it back into the socket
Bite gently to hold it in place
Store the tooth in:
Milk (best option)
Saline solution
Inside your cheek (if safe)
Do NOT store in water—it damages root cells
Ideally within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
https://1smiledental.com/
The cells on the root surface begin to die quickly once exposed.
Within 30 minutes → high success rate
After 60 minutes → significantly reduced chance
Not all fractures are the same—treatment depends on severity.
Small enamel break
No pain
Involves dentin
Sensitivity present
Exposes pulp (nerve)
Pain, bleeding, possible infection
Rinse mouth with warm water
Save any broken pieces
Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
Avoid chewing on that side
Immediately if there is pain or bleeding
Within 24 hours even for minor fractures
Depending on severity:
Bonding
Crown placement
Root canal therapy
Extraction (if non-restorable)
Root Canals
https://1smiledental.com/
Sometimes a tooth isn’t fully knocked out—but displaced.
Avoid touching or moving the tooth
Eat soft foods
See a dentist immediately
The ligament holding the tooth may be damaged but salvageable.
Early stabilization can:
Preserve the tooth
Prevent long-term complications
Pain after trauma can indicate:
Nerve damage
Infection
Internal fracture
Take over-the-counter pain medication (as directed)
Apply cold compress
Avoid heat (can worsen swelling)
Then seek care as soon as possible.
Even with immediate action, some teeth cannot be preserved.
This is where modern dentistry offers predictable solutions.
When a tooth is lost due to trauma, dental implants provide the most natural and long-term solution.
Replace both root and crown
Preserve bone structure
Restore full function
https://1smiledental.com/
Placed at time of extraction
Preserves bone and soft tissue
Used when infection or trauma requires healing
Often combined with bone grafting
After a tooth is lost:
Bone resorption begins quickly
Volume loss can occur within months
Bone grafting helps:
Rebuild lost bone
Support implant placement
Improve long-term stability
https://1smiledental.com/
Delayed treatment after trauma
Severe fracture cases
Long-standing missing teeth
In cases involving multiple damaged teeth:
Extraction may be necessary
Full-arch solutions (All-on-X) may be recommended
These allow:
Immediate restoration
Fixed, non-removable teeth
Full functional recovery
Storing a tooth in water
Waiting too long to seek care
Ignoring minor fractures
Attempting DIY fixes
While not all accidents can be avoided:
Wear mouthguards during sports
Avoid chewing hard objects
Maintain regular dental visits
When patients search for an “emergency dentist near me,” they are looking for:
Immediate availability
Clinical expertise
Clear guidance
Long-term solutions—not temporary fixes
Patients from Chicago often seek care beyond their immediate area for:
Advanced treatment options
Comprehensive care under one roof
Access to implants and surgical expertise
We provide emergency dental care for patients throughout:
Schererville
Munster
Dyer
St. John
Highland
Merrillville
Crown Point
As well as patients traveling from Chicago.
No—but immediate action greatly improves success rates.
Ideally less than 60 minutes.
Not always—but it should be evaluated quickly.
A dentist can still evaluate and plan replacement options.
In some cases, yes—depending on bone and tissue condition.
Dental emergencies are unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be.
Knowing what to do can:
Save your natural tooth
Prevent long-term damage
Reduce the need for more complex procedures
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait.
If you’ve been searching for the best dentist near me or need immediate care after a dental injury, contact our office right away.
We provide:
Same-day emergency evaluations
Advanced treatment options
Long-term solutions including implants and reconstruction
As your trusted Schereville dentist, we offer a range of services and utilize advanced dental technology to provide our patients with quality, precise and comfortable care. Building relationships with our patients built on trust is the key to our success.