Do You Need an Emergency Dentist or the ER? Here’s How to Know

When dental pain or trauma strikes, it can be hard to know where to go first. Should you head straight to the emergency room, or call your dentist? At Markiewicz Dental, we want you to have clarity in these stressful moments so you can get the right care as quickly as possible.

Understanding a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency usually involves sudden pain, trauma, or an issue that threatens the health of your teeth and gums if not addressed quickly. Not every dental problem requires a trip to the ER—many situations are best treated directly in the dental office.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

In most cases, your dentist is the right person to see first. Dentists are trained and equipped to handle:

• Severe toothaches that don’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth – if handled quickly, they can sometimes be saved
• Lost fillings, crowns, or restorations causing discomfort or sensitivity
• Dental abscesses or infections (swelling around a tooth or gum)
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue that are not causing uncontrolled bleeding

Dentists have the tools to relieve your pain, stop infection from spreading, and restore your smile.

When the ER is the Better Option

There are situations where you should skip the dentist and head straight to the emergency room, especially if your overall health or safety is at risk:

• Uncontrolled bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure
• Severe swelling of the face, jaw, or neck that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow
• High fever and systemic illness from an infection spreading beyond the mouth
• Facial trauma involving broken bones or possible concussion in addition to dental injury

In these cases, emergency medical care comes first. Once you are stabilized, your dentist can address the dental concerns that remain.

What to Do in the Meantime

If you’re unsure, here are a few quick steps you can take while arranging care:

• Knocked-out tooth: Keep it moist in milk or place it gently back in the socket, and call us immediately
• Broken tooth or filling: Rinse your mouth gently and avoid chewing on that side
• Abscess or swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your face and avoid heat
• Bleeding: Apply firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze

Markiewicz Dental – Your Local Emergency Dentist in Mundelein

Most dental emergencies are best handled by a trusted dental team who knows your history. At Markiewicz Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments and a compassionate team ready to help you feel better fast.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Mundelein, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, or the surrounding area—call us right away at 847.566.2811 We’ll guide you on whether to come in immediately or head to the ER first.