Emergency Dentist in Chicago

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond before you get to our Chicago dental office can make a big difference in your outcome.

Tooth Pain
For a toothache, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Advil can help ease discomfort. Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and dislodge any food particles.

Jaw Pain or Swelling
Swelling or pain in the jaw could signal an infection or dental abscess. Take an OTC pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage swelling. Contact our office immediately—this may require urgent care.

Broken Tooth
If your tooth breaks but you’re not in pain or there are no sharp edges, it may not be an emergency. Still, call our office to discuss your symptoms so we can guide your next steps.

Lost Crown or Filling
If a crown falls off, try to gently place it back over the tooth. If that’s not possible, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment.
For a lost filling, contact us as soon as possible—we’ll need to replace it to prevent further damage and restore comfort.

Dental Trauma (Knocked-Out Tooth)
Time is critical! We have about two hours to successfully reimplant a knocked-out tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), and gently try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist.

In all emergencies, call our office right away so we can prepare for your arrival. Have someone drive you safely to Best Smiles.