Emergency Dentistry
Emergency Dentistry in Chicago: What to Do When Dental Pain Cannot Wait
Dental pain has a way of interrupting everything. One moment you may be moving through a normal day, and the next you are dealing with a cracked tooth,…
Emergency Dentist in Chicago
Severe pain or a damaged tooth? We hold same-day emergency appointments during office hours, Monday through Thursday, at our Lakeview office on Southport Ave. Call (773) 281-8989.
Emergency Dental Care
A dental emergency does not wait for a convenient time. Whether you have knocked out a tooth, cracked a filling, or woken up with severe pain, Big City Dental, your emergency dentist in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, is here to help. We reserve same-day appointment slots for urgent cases so you are never left waiting when it matters most.
Emergency dental care covers any situation that requires prompt attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, address infection, or save a tooth. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a simple repair and a much more involved treatment later.
Why Patients Trust Big City Dental in an Emergency
Same-Day Appointments Available
We keep time in our schedule for urgent dental needs. Call us and we will do everything we can to get you in the same day.
Fast, Effective Pain Relief
Our first priority is getting you out of pain. Dr. Nilay acts quickly to diagnose the issue and provide immediate treatment that addresses the source of your discomfort.
On-the-Spot Diagnosis with Digital Imaging
We use in-office digital X-rays to get a clear picture of what is happening fast. No waiting on outside referrals or delayed results.
Treatment and Next Steps in One Visit
Wherever possible, we treat the emergency and outline your full care plan in the same appointment. Less back-and-forth means faster recovery.
A Calm, No-Judgment Environment
Dental emergencies are stressful. Our team is trained to keep the experience as calm as possible from the moment you walk in.
Care You Can Afford
Emergency care is available to patients with or without insurance. Our in-house savings plan and Cherry financing make treatment accessible regardless of your coverage.
Our Emergency Services
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is badly damaged, infected, or causing severe pain, an emergency extraction may be the safest way to protect your oral health. Our team focuses on keeping you comfortable while removing the source of the problem as gently as possible. After treatment, we can also discuss replacement options to help restore your smile and bite.
Same-Day Implants
In some urgent situations, a same-day implant may be an option after a tooth is removed. This approach can help replace the missing tooth root right away, supporting a more stable and natural-looking restoration plan. During your emergency visit, we will evaluate your bone health, infection risk, and overall needs to determine whether same-day implants are appropriate.
Desensitizers
Sudden tooth sensitivity can make eating, drinking, and daily routines uncomfortable. Emergency desensitizer treatments can help calm exposed or irritated areas of the teeth and provide relief from sharp sensitivity. We will also check for underlying causes, such as enamel wear, gum recession, cracks, or cavities, so your sensitivity is treated at the source.
What Happens When You Come In for Emergency Care
Step 1 — Call Us First
Contact Big City Dental as soon as possible. Describe what is happening and we will advise you on immediate steps to take while we get you scheduled for a same-day or next-available visit.
Step 2 — Prompt Check-In and Triage
When you arrive, we get you seen quickly. There is no long wait in a lobby when you are in pain. Our team prioritizes urgent cases and moves efficiently from the moment you walk in.
Step 3 — Exam and Imaging
Dr. Patel performs a focused exam and takes any necessary digital X-rays to identify the problem accurately before recommending a course of action.
Step 4 — Immediate Treatment
Once we understand what we are dealing with, we get to work. This may include a temporary or permanent filling, extraction, prescription for infection, or another appropriate intervention based on your specific situation.
Step 5 — Follow-Up Plan
Before you leave, we walk you through what comes next. If additional treatment is needed after the emergency is resolved, we schedule that visit and make sure you leave with clear post-care instructions.
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
Contact UsCommon Questions
FAQ's
What is considered an emergency for a dentist?
Any situation involving significant pain, visible damage to a tooth, signs of infection (swelling, fever, bad taste), or a knocked-out tooth should be treated as an emergency. When in doubt, call us. We would always rather you reach out than wait.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, try to place it back in the socket or keep it in a small container of milk. Call us immediately. Acting within 30 to 60 minutes gives us the best chance of saving the tooth.
Do you have emergency hours?
Call our office directly to check same-day availability. We make every effort to accommodate urgent cases within our current schedule. If you reach us outside of office hours, follow the instructions on our voicemail for guidance on next steps.
Can I come in even if I am not an existing patient?
Yes. Big City Dental accepts new patients for emergency appointments. We will handle your intake quickly so we can focus on getting you out of pain.
Will emergency dental care be expensive?
Emergency treatment costs vary depending on what is needed. We review all costs with you before beginning any treatment. We accept Cherry financing, offer flexible payment plans, and our in-house savings plan provides 15% off all procedures for patients without insurance.
Can the ER do anything for tooth pain?
A hospital emergency room can manage severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a facial injury, and it can prescribe pain relief or antibiotics. What it usually cannot do is treat the tooth itself. Emergency rooms rarely have a dentist on site, so most patients are sent to a dentist afterward for the actual repair, extraction or root canal. If the problem is in the tooth and you can breathe and swallow normally, calling a dentist first gets you to the fix sooner.
Can I go to urgent care for a dental issue?
Urgent care clinics can help with pain control and infections that are spreading, but like the ER they are not set up to repair teeth. For a toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, a lost filling or crown, or swelling limited to the gum, an emergency dental visit is the right first call. We keep same-day slots during office hours for exactly these situations. Go to the ER instead if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is closing your eye, or a high fever with facial swelling.
Explore
Related services
Same-Day Restorations
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth repaired in a single visit.
Same-Day Crowns
A custom ceramic crown designed, milled and placed in one appointment.
Dental Implants
Implants planned with 3D imaging by an AAID-member dentist.
See all services at Big City Dental
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Happy Patients
What Our Patients Say
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
Very good dental hygienist. Patient, answered all questions and cleaned my teeth with no discomfort
ruth R.Google review · I have been going to Big City Dental for year. The current crew is beyond exceptional. During my most recent appointment, Ashley provided a wonderful cleaning. Dr Patel and I sat down for a consultation for some work we will need to do in the near future. His clam demeanor and extensive knowledge put me completely at ease. I had a scan preformed by Yana she was great. Raquel checked me out in her usual kind and efficient way. She also created an estimate for the upcoming procedures. I highly recommend Big City Dental.
Pam W.Google review · Our family has gone to Big City for decades and we recommend the practice to our family and friends for gentle and comprehensive care. Great location too.
James C.Google review · Dr. Kalentsky recently sold the practice to a new dentist, and he's great! Had been a patient of Dr. K for years, and the transition has been pretty seamless.
Amy R.Google review · Always the best care and attention! Everyone is professional and friendly and always accommodating if I need to reschedule an appointment. Also, I really appreciate the reminders about upcoming appointments! Hooray for Big City Dental!
Sally B.Google review · I saw doctor Nilay yesterday for the first time and I had a great experience. He was attentive and guided me through the procedure and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend Dr. Nilay Patel if you are looking for a great dentist!
Gui V.Google review · I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
Tom T.Google review · Ashley does a great job as hygienist- takes the time to explain what she's doing. Dr. Nilay also great and thoroughly explains procedures. Great location!
Julie C.Google review · I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
Elli B.Google review · Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
Megan L.Google review · Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
Patrick L.Google review · I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.
mark D.Google review ·
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A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
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Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!