Emergency dentist help is hard to think about until you are suddenly in pain, dealing with swelling, or looking at a broken tooth in the mirror. If you are searching for an emergency dentist near you, the goal is simple: get out of pain fast and prevent a small problem turning into a bigger one.
At Valley View Dental, our team provides same day emergency dental care whenever possible. You can visit our Romeoville, Naperville, or Montgomery office, and we will guide you from the first phone call through the next steps for relief and treatment.
Emergency dentist advice for when it is urgent
Call an emergency dentist straight away if you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or dental trauma. In many cases, quick care is the difference between a simple repair and a more complex procedure later.
If you have facial swelling that is rapidly worsening, bleeding you cannot control, trouble breathing, or a serious injury to the jaw or face, seek urgent medical help. Cleveland Clinic notes that while most dental emergencies are treated by a dentist, serious injuries like broken facial bones should be handled in the emergency room.
What counts as a dental emergency
Here are common issues that usually warrant an emergency dentist visit:
- Severe toothache, especially if it wakes you up or comes with swelling
- Broken, cracked, chipped, or loose tooth
- Knocked out tooth from sports or an accident
- Lost filling or crown, especially if the tooth is sensitive or sharp
- Gum or mouth infection, including a painful bump, pus, or spreading swelling
- Bleeding that does not stop after about 10 to 15 minutes of gentle pressure
If you are not sure, call anyway. A quick conversation can help you decide whether you need to come in now, schedule the next available visit, or take a safe short term step at home.
What to do right now until you see an emergency dentist
Toothache
Rinse gently with warm water, avoid chewing on that side, and use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek if there is swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums, which can irritate tissue.
Broken or cracked tooth
Rinse gently, save any pieces you can, and avoid hard foods. A cracked tooth can allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth, so do not “wait and see” if pain is increasing.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the area clean and avoid sticky foods. Over the counter temporary dental cement can sometimes help protect the tooth until you are seen, but it is not a replacement for proper care.
Knocked out permanent tooth
Time matters. The American Dental Association advises keeping the tooth moist at all times, avoiding touching the root, and getting to a dentist right away. The American Association of Endodontists also highlights that being seen within about 30 minutes is best, although some teeth can still be saved after longer.
If you can safely do so, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If you cannot, store it in milk or inside the cheek and seek emergency care immediately.
Why fast treatment is worth it
Dental pain is not just inconvenient. A cracked tooth can progress, a deep cavity can become infected, and swelling can worsen. Fast treatment aims to:
- Relieve pain sooner
- Reduce the risk of infection spreading
- Increase the chance of saving a damaged or knocked out tooth
Emergency dentist near you at Valley View Dental
If you need an emergency dentist near you in the southwest Chicago suburbs, Valley View Dental offers same day emergency appointments whenever possible, plus walk in availability depending on demand.
You can reach the right office directly:
Romeoville: (815) 372 0100
Naperville: (630) 904 5600
Montgomery: (630) 923 0900
For directions and current hours, use the locations page.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to go to the emergency room for tooth pain?
Usually, a dentist is the right place for tooth pain and broken teeth. For severe trauma or symptoms that suggest a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or major facial injury, go to the emergency room. - Can you really save a knocked out tooth?
Sometimes, yes, especially if you act quickly and keep the tooth moist. Getting care within about 30 minutes is considered best practice, though outcomes vary. - What if I am not sure it is an emergency?
Call. A quick triage conversation can help you choose the safest next step.
Do not wait in pain. If you need an emergency dentist near you, call Valley View Dental now and we will do our best to get you seen the same day.
