403 West Windsor Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
Expert Care for Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency can happen to anyone, at any time. A sudden severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, a swelling that won't go away. When it does, the last thing you want is to be left wondering what to do. At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and urgent. Our team is here to see you as quickly as possible, assess your situation promptly, and get you out of pain and on the path to recovery. When something goes wrong, we want to be the first call you make.
Call Us Now: 217-355-9997
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental concern requires an emergency visit, but some situations absolutely do. Knowing the difference can protect your teeth, your health, and your peace of mind. As a general rule, if you are in significant pain, have experienced trauma to your mouth or teeth, or notice swelling that is spreading, treat it as an emergency and call us immediately.
Call us right away if you are experiencing:
- Severe or persistent toothache that won't subside
- A knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, especially with pain or sensitivity
- A lost or damaged crown, bridge, or filling leaving a tooth exposed
- A dental abscess: swelling, throbbing pain, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- Swelling in the jaw, gums, or face
- Bleeding from the mouth that won't stop
- Soft tissue injury: cuts or lacerations to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums
- A broken or loose dental appliance causing pain or injury
When in doubt, call. It's always better to check than to wait and allow a problem to worsen.
What Happens When You Call Us
Call Our Office
Call us at 217-355-9997 and let us know you have a dental emergency. Describe your symptoms so we can understand the urgency and prepare for your arrival. We will do everything we can to get you in the same day.
We Assess Your Situation
When you arrive, Dr. Martin and our team will examine you promptly, take any necessary X-rays, and give you a clear diagnosis. We’ll explain exactly what’s happening and walk you through your treatment options before anything begins.
We Get You Out of Pain
Your comfort is the immediate priority. We’ll address your pain first, then focus on treating the underlying problem as efficiently and gently as possible.
We Build a Plan
Once the emergency is under control, we’ll put together a follow-up treatment plan to fully restore your tooth and protect your long-term oral health. You’ll leave our office knowing exactly what comes next.
Why You Shouldn't Wait Out a Dental Emergency
It's tempting to hope dental pain will resolve on its own, but in almost every case, waiting makes things worse. Here's why acting quickly matters:
- Infections spread. A dental abscess or untreated infection doesn't stay contained. Left untreated, oral infections can spread to the jaw, neck, and in serious cases, become life-threatening. Prompt treatment stops the spread and clears the infection before it becomes a systemic health risk.
- Teeth can often be saved, but only if you act quickly. A knocked-out tooth has a real chance of being reimplanted if you act within the first hour. A cracked tooth treated early may only need a crown. The same tooth left untreated may eventually require extraction. Time matters enormously.
- Pain is a signal. Severe dental pain is your body's way of telling you something is seriously wrong. Masking it with over-the-counter pain relievers is not a treatment. It's a temporary measure. The underlying cause needs professional attention.
- Small problems become big ones. A lost filling exposes the tooth to bacteria and decay. A hairline crack worsens under chewing pressure. What starts as a manageable fix becomes a root canal, an extraction, or an implant if given enough time to deteriorate.
In Pain? We're Ready to Help.
Don't suffer through a dental emergency or try to wait it out until your next scheduled appointment. Call W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL as soon as possible. Our team will assess your situation, get you in quickly, and take great care of you from the moment you arrive. We know emergencies are stressful. Our job is to make everything easier from here.
Call Us Now: 217-355-9997
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Call our office at 217-355-9997. Our voicemail will provide guidance for after-hours emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation such as severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For urgent but non-life-threatening situations, call us first thing in the morning and we will prioritize getting you in as quickly as possible.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day they call. When you call our office, let us know you are experiencing a dental emergency and describe your symptoms. We will do our best to accommodate you as promptly as possible.
Is a toothache always a dental emergency?
Not every toothache requires an emergency visit, but severe, persistent, or worsening tooth pain should never be ignored. Pain that keeps you up at night, throbs continuously, or is accompanied by swelling or fever is a sign of a serious problem that needs prompt attention. Call us and describe your symptoms. We'll help you determine how urgently you need to be seen.
Can a knocked-out tooth really be saved?
Yes, if you act quickly. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if it is reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist, handle it by the crown only, and call us immediately. The sooner you get to our office, the better the outcome is likely to be.
What is a dental abscess and is it dangerous?
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection, usually caused by bacteria from untreated decay or gum disease, that forms at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It causes severe throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. An abscess is a serious condition that will not resolve without professional treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, and beyond. Call us immediately if you suspect an abscess.
Should I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
For most dental emergencies such as pain, broken teeth, or lost restorations, your dentist is the right first call, not the emergency room. Emergency rooms are not equipped to perform dental procedures and can generally only prescribe pain medication or antibiotics as a temporary measure. However, if you have severe swelling affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, uncontrolled bleeding, or any sign that an infection may be spreading beyond your mouth, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
What if a child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not attempt to reimplant a knocked-out baby tooth. Doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth beneath it. Call our office and we'll assess the situation, check for any injury to the surrounding gum tissue and bone, and advise you on next steps. Any injury to a child's mouth should be evaluated by a dentist.
Will my insurance cover emergency dental treatment?
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for emergency dental treatment, though the extent of coverage varies by plan and by the type of treatment required. Our team will verify your benefits and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. If cost is a concern, we also offer CareCredit financing to help manage unexpected dental expenses.
