Emergency Dentist in Chicago, IL

Dental Emergency? We Are Here For You. Call Now.

Dental emergencies are frightening, painful, and never happen at a convenient time. Whether you are dealing with sudden severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, a lost filling, or a swollen jaw, the last thing you need is to be turned away or told to wait days for an appointment.

At Smile Era Dental, we are committed to providing prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to patients across Chicago's northwest side and surrounding communities. We understand that dental pain and dental trauma demand immediate attention and we do everything we can to see emergency patients as quickly as possible, often the same day you call.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency right now, do not wait. Call us immediately at 773-594-0655. Our team will assess your situation over the phone, provide immediate guidance on what to do, and get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

Call 773-594-0655 Right Now

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem can wait for a regular appointment. If you're experiencing significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or dental trauma, you may need emergency dental care right away.

Common dental emergencies include:

Severe Toothaches – Persistent or intense pain that doesn't go away.
Broken or Cracked Teeth – Teeth damaged by injury, accidents, or biting on something hard.
Knocked-Out Teeth – Immediate treatment can improve the chances of saving the tooth.
Lost Fillings or Crowns – Exposed teeth can become painful and vulnerable to further damage.
Dental Abscesses – Infections that cause swelling, pain, pus, or a bad taste in the mouth.
Swollen Gums or Face – Often a sign of infection requiring prompt attention.
Uncontrolled Oral Bleeding – Bleeding that continues after an injury or procedure.
Broken Dentures or Dental Appliances – Especially when they interfere with eating, speaking, or comfort.
Jaw Pain or Dental Trauma – Injuries to the teeth, gums, or jaw from sports, falls, or accidents.

If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contact our office right away. Prompt treatment can often relieve pain, prevent complications, and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

How Smile Era Dental Handles Dental Emergencies

When you call Smile Era Dental with a dental emergency, here is what you can expect:

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.

STEP 1

STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.

STEP 3

STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.

STEP 5

STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.

STEP 7

STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.

STEP 9

STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Immediate Phone Triage

Our team will speak with you immediately, assessing the nature and severity of your situation, providing guidance on immediate first aid steps to take at home, and determining the appropriate urgency of your appointment.

Same-Day or Next-Day Scheduling

We do everything possible to accommodate dental emergency patients on the same day they call, particularly for situations involving severe pain, trauma, or infection. We understand that emergency patients cannot always wait.

Prompt, Compassionate Care

When you arrive at Smile Era Dental, our team will see you promptly and ensure you are made as comfortable as possible from the moment you walk through the door. Emergency visits are never rushed but they are efficient, focused, and directed at relieving your pain and addressing your situation as effectively as possible.

Thorough Diagnosis with Advanced Imaging

Where appropriate, Smile Era Dental will use our in-house CBCT 3D imaging technology to get a complete, precise picture of what is happening — including the extent of any infection, the degree of structural damage, and the involvement of surrounding teeth and bone. This level of diagnostic detail allows for more accurate treatment planning and better outcomes, even in emergency situations.

Clear Treatment Plan & Honest Communication

Following examination and diagnosis, Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will explain exactly what they have found, what treatment is needed, and what your options are clearly and without unnecessary jargon. You will always know what is happening and why before any treatment begins.

Follow-Up Care

Emergency dental treatment is often the first step in a broader treatment plan. Following your emergency visit, our team will work with you to schedule any additional care needed and ensure your long-term dental health is fully addressed.

Preventing Dental Emergencies — What You Can Do

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, many of the most common ones can be significantly reduced in risk with a few proactive steps:

Wear a Mouthguard for Sports – Protect teeth from injuries during athletic activities.
Use a Nightguard if You Grind – Prevent cracks, wear, and damage caused by nighttime grinding.
Don't Use Teeth as Tools – Avoid opening packages, biting hard objects, or cracking nuts with your teeth.
Address Problems Early – Treat small cavities, cracks, and loose restorations before they become emergencies.
Keep Up with Regular Checkups – Routine exams help catch potential issues before they turn into urgent problems.

Don't Wait. Dental Emergencies Require Immediate Action

Every minute matters in a dental emergency. Whether you are in severe pain, have suffered dental trauma, or are concerned about a potential infection, the team at Smile Era Dental is here to help you right now. Call us immediately and let us take it from here.

Call Now for Same-Day Emergency Dental Care

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

If you experience a dental emergency outside of our regular office hours, call our office at 773-594-0655 — our voicemail will provide guidance on next steps. For life-threatening emergencies — such as severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding — call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For non-life-threatening situations, call us first thing when we open and we will do everything possible to see you as quickly as possible. Dental infections in particular should never be left unaddressed for extended periods — if you are in significant pain or have noticeable swelling, an urgent care or emergency room visit for antibiotic coverage may be appropriate while you wait to be seen by our office.

Yes — if you act quickly. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of successful reimplantation when it is reinserted within 30 to 60 minutes of being knocked out. Handle the tooth by the crown only, rinse it gently if dirty without scrubbing the root, reinsert it into the socket if possible, and call Smile Era Dental immediately. If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk or saline to keep it moist during transport. Time is absolutely critical — do not wait.

A toothache that is severe, spontaneous, throbbing, or waking you from sleep — particularly if accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth — should be treated as a dental emergency and addressed the same day. Mild or intermittent tooth sensitivity that is not worsening may be able to wait for a prompt scheduled appointment. When in doubt, call Smile Era Dental at 773-594-0655 — our team will help you assess the urgency of your situation over the phone and advise you on next steps.

Yes — absolutely. A dental abscess is a serious bacterial infection that can spread rapidly to the jaw, neck, and in severe cases the airway or brain if left untreated. Any signs of a dental abscess — severe throbbing pain, significant swelling, fever, or a pimple-like bump on the gum — require prompt dental evaluation the same day. If you are experiencing significant facial swelling, high fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing alongside dental pain, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Keep the crown safe and call Smile Era Dental as soon as possible. Avoid chewing on the affected side. If the exposed tooth is sensitive, over-the-counter temporary dental cement — available at most pharmacies — can be used to temporarily re-seat the crown until you are seen. Do not use super glue or household adhesives to reattach a crown — these can damage the tooth and the crown and make professional reattachment more difficult.

A knocked-out baby tooth is handled differently from a permanent tooth — baby teeth are generally not reimplanted, as doing so can interfere with the developing permanent tooth beneath it. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, call Smile Era Dental right away for guidance. Control any bleeding with gentle pressure and a clean cloth, keep your child calm, and bring any tooth fragments you can find to the appointment. Our team will evaluate the area and ensure no fragments remain in the socket and that the underlying permanent tooth has not been affected.

For life-threatening dental emergencies — rapidly spreading facial swelling, severe difficulty swallowing or breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or high fever — an emergency room is absolutely the right place to go. ERs can provide antibiotic treatment, pain management, and medical stabilization for dental infections that have spread. However, most ERs are not equipped to perform definitive dental treatment — they cannot fill a cavity, perform a root canal, or reattach a crown. Visiting the ER for a dental emergency should be followed up with an appointment at Smile Era Dental as soon as possible for definitive dental care.

The cost of emergency dental care at Smile Era Dental depends on the nature and extent of the treatment required — which can only be determined after examination. Most PPO dental insurance plans provide some coverage for emergency dental treatment, and our team will verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before any treatment begins. We will never proceed with treatment without first explaining the costs clearly and answering your questions. If you have concerns about cost, please discuss them with our team — we are always willing to have an honest conversation about your options.

While not all dental emergencies are preventable, many of the most common ones can be significantly reduced in risk. Wearing a custom athletic mouthguard during contact sports protects against tooth fractures and knockouts. Wearing a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth protects against cracked teeth and failed restorations. Never using your teeth as tools prevents avoidable fractures. And keeping up with regular dental exams and cleanings at Smile Era Dental allows us to identify and address small problems before they become dental emergencies. Prevention is always better — and far less costly — than emergency treatment.

Absolutely. We welcome new patients experiencing dental emergencies and will do everything we can to see you promptly — regardless of whether you have been to our practice before. When you call, simply let our team know you are a new patient in need of emergency care and we will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible. Please have your insurance information available when you call so we can verify your benefits before your visit.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Are Welcome

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773-594-0655