Emergency Dentistry in South Barrington, IL

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

• Severe toothache or persistent tooth pain
• Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• Lost crown, inlay, or filling
• Knocked-out tooth (time-critical, call immediately)
• Loosened or displaced tooth from trauma
• Dental abscess with swelling or fever
• Soft tissue injury (cuts to lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums)
• Broken or damaged denture causing pain
• Post-operative complications from prior treatment
• Severe tooth sensitivity

Benefits of Immediate Care

• Fast pain relief, usually within the same visit
• Definitive treatment, not just symptomatic management
• Prevent emergencies from escalating into more expensive problems
• Avoid unnecessary hospital ER visits
• Maintain continuity of care with a familiar practice
• Real-time diagnosis with digital imaging

The Emergency Visit Process

Step 1: Call. Call (847) 382-0700 and describe what is going on. Our team will triage over the phone and give you an appointment time.

Step 2: Arrive. Bring a photo ID, insurance card, list of medications, and any relevant records.

Step 3: Assessment. Dr. Allison Bartley performs an exam and takes any needed imaging.

Step 4: Treatment Plan. Findings are reviewed with you, and options are presented with pricing.

Step 5: Treatment. Most emergency treatments can be completed the same day.

Step 6: Follow-Up. A follow-up appointment is scheduled if needed.

Timeline

• Emergency phone triage: 2-5 minutes
• Same-day appointment: Usually within 1-3 hours of calling
• Average emergency visit length: 45-90 minutes
• Follow-up visits (if needed): Scheduled within 1-2 weeks

Cost Factors

Emergency visit costs depend entirely on what treatment is needed. Typical ranges:

• Limited emergency exam with X-ray: Affordable diagnostic-only visit
• Filling for a broken tooth: Moderate
• Crown or CEREEC crown for severe fracture: Higher
• Root canal for infected tooth: Higher
• Simple extraction: Lower
• Complex extraction or surgical case: Higher

Most PPO insurance plans cover emergency care similarly to scheduled care. We verify benefits and provide written estimates when possible. See our finance page.

What To Do Before You Arrive

For severe toothache: Ibuprofen (up to 600mg every 6 hours for adults) is the most effective OTC pain reliever for dental pain. A cold compress on the outside of the face may help. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods.

For knocked-out tooth: Pick up by the crown, never the root. Rinse gently with milk or saliva if dirty (not water). Try to place back in the socket. If impossible, store in milk and call immediately.

For broken tooth: Save any pieces in milk or saliva. Rinse mouth with warm water. Apply gauze to control bleeding.

For lost crown or filling: Save the crown if you have it. Avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter dental cement (temporary) is available at pharmacies and can provide short-term protection.

For soft tissue injury: Rinse with warm salt water. Apply firm pressure with clean gauze.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Emergency Care Here

Any patient with a dental emergency who can get to our office during business hours. New patients are welcome for emergency visits, and a full comprehensive exam can be scheduled as a follow-up once the acute problem is resolved.

Who Should Go to the ER Instead

Hospital ERs are the right choice for life-threatening situations:

• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe facial trauma, broken jaw, or possible concussion
• Signs of spreading infection (high fever, face or neck swelling closing airway, inability to open mouth)

For most dental-specific emergencies, we can treat you more thoroughly, faster, and at a fraction of the ER cost. Hospital ERs typically prescribe antibiotics and pain medication but do not treat the underlying dental problem.

Comparison: Dental Office vs. Hospital ER for Dental Emergencies

• Dental office: Digital X-rays, direct treatment, cost-effective, continuity of care
• Hospital ER: Medication only, much more expensive, does not treat underlying cause, long wait times

For dental emergencies not involving airway compromise or life-threatening trauma, the dental office is almost always the right choice.

Alternatives and Follow-Up

Many emergencies require specific follow-up treatment:

• Severe toothache may need a root canal and crown
• Broken tooth may need bonding, CEREC crown, or extraction and implant
• Dental infection may need drainage, antibiotics, and root canal or extraction