Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC | Dental Fillings, Snoring Appliances and Sports Mouthguards

Emergency Treatment

Immediate Care for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can arrive without warning — a sudden toothache, a sports injury, or a fractured restoration — and when they do, the first priority is relieving pain and stabilizing the problem. Prompt attention reduces the chance of complications and can often preserve a tooth that might otherwise be lost. Our approach emphasizes calm, efficient triage so you know what to expect from the moment you reach out.

When you contact our office, we prioritize getting you in for an evaluation as quickly as possible. During that initial visit we focus on controlling discomfort, assessing damage, and identifying any threats to your overall health. That assessment often includes a clinical exam and digital imaging, allowing us to see the full extent of the injury or infection and determine the best immediate course of action.

Every emergency is different, but common goals are the same: stop bleeding, reduce swelling, manage infection risk, and stabilize loose or fractured teeth. Our team is trained to provide compassionate, efficient care under pressure — from temporary repairs that relieve symptoms to definitive treatment plans that restore long-term function.

We manage a broad range of urgent oral conditions, including:

  • Severe toothaches or persistent dental pain
  • Chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth
  • Abscesses and signs of dental infection
  • Loose or broken fillings and crowns
  • Problems with dentures and partials
  • Wisdom tooth pain or acute impaction
  • Swollen or bleeding gums and soft tissue injuries
  • Suspicious lumps, sores, or unexplained oral swelling

How We Diagnose and Stabilize Urgent Problems

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective emergency care. We combine a hands-on examination with modern diagnostic tools — such as digital radiography and intraoral imaging — to quickly identify fractures, root involvement, bone changes, or pockets of infection. This allows us to eliminate guesswork and begin the most appropriate treatment right away.

Pain control and infection management are often immediate priorities. We use local anesthetics, gentle surgical techniques, and, when appropriate, temporary restorations to reduce discomfort and protect the injured area. If an infection is suspected, we will evaluate the need for antibiotics and drainage, and provide instructions to support healing between visits.

Stabilization may include splinting a loose tooth, placing a temporary crown or filling, or smoothing sharp enamel fragments that irritate the cheek or tongue. These measures are designed to restore comfort and function quickly, giving you time to consider longer-term solutions while preventing further damage.

When an emergency involves more complex medical concerns — significant facial trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or signs of systemic infection — we coordinate care with emergency medical services or specialists to ensure your safety and best possible outcome.

Treatment Options: Saving Teeth and Restoring Smiles

Our primary goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible. For many injuries and infections, conservative treatments such as dental bonding, new restorations, or crowns can repair form and function without removing the tooth. When the tooth’s nerve tissue is affected, root canal therapy is often the best option to eliminate infection and retain the tooth long term.

There are cases, however, when extraction is the safest path forward — for a tooth that cannot be predictably saved or when it poses a health risk. Losing a tooth is understandably upsetting, but modern restorative dentistry offers reliable ways to replace missing teeth and restore chewing ability, speech, and esthetics.

Replacement options include dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial or full dentures. Implants, when appropriate, offer a long-term solution that mimics natural tooth roots and supports surrounding bone. We’ll discuss the pros and considerations for each option so you can choose the path that aligns with your needs and goals.

Throughout treatment we focus on clear communication and shared decision-making. You’ll receive straightforward explanations of recommended procedures, anticipated recovery, and follow-up care so you can make informed choices about your oral health.

Recognizing Urgent Signs and What to Do Immediately

Knowing when to seek emergency dental care can make a significant difference in outcome. Severe, unrelenting pain; facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing; a tooth knocked completely out; or heavy, continuous bleeding are clear signs to seek immediate attention. Even less dramatic symptoms, such as a tooth that becomes suddenly loose or sharp fragments that cut your mouth, merit prompt evaluation.

Simple first-aid steps can help before you reach the office: rinse gently with warm water, apply firm pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding, and use a cold compress to limit swelling. If a tooth is completely dislodged, try to avoid touching the root, rinse it gently with water if dirty, and keep it moist — ideally placed back in the socket, tucked between cheek and gums, or stored in a container of milk or saliva until you can be seen.

If you experience signs of spreading infection — fever, increasing redness, or swelling that interferes with breathing — seek emergency medical care right away. For isolated dental concerns, contacting the dental office for same-day evaluation is usually the best first step.

Preparing for an emergency can also reduce anxiety. Keep a list of current medications and any medical conditions handy, and act quickly when an urgent situation arises; timely treatment often leads to simpler procedures and better outcomes.

Recovery, Follow-Up, and Preventing Future Emergencies

After emergency treatment, follow-up care is essential. We’ll provide instructions for home care, pain management, diet modifications, and signs to watch for that might indicate complications. Many conditions require additional appointments to complete restorative work, monitor healing, or begin rehabilitation such as implant placement or crown fabrication.

Healing time varies depending on the procedure and individual factors, but compliance with aftercare recommendations — oral hygiene, prescribed medications, and follow-up visits — significantly improves recovery. We’ll schedule the necessary steps to move from temporary stabilization to definitive treatment when you’re ready.

Prevention plays a big role in reducing future emergencies. Protective measures include using custom nightguards for bruxism, sports mouthguards during athletic activity, and routine dental care to catch decay and gum disease before they become acute. Our team can recommend practical, evidence-based strategies tailored to your lifestyle and oral health history.

Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC is committed to delivering thoughtful, timely emergency care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health. If you’re facing an urgent dental issue or want guidance about what to do next, please contact us for more information and assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental emergency?

+
Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC

Toothaches

Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is not quite right and though there are many reasons for oral pain, one of the most common complaints and reasons for seeking urgent dental care is a toothache. Whether you simply need a dental filling, a crown, or require a root canal procedure to save your tooth, we'll alleviate your discomfort and restore the look and function of the involved tooth.

Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma can result in a defect as minor as a small chip in tooth enamel to a more extensive and painful crack or fracture. With sufficient force, a tooth can even be displaced or completely knocked out of its socket. With prompt emergency care, many injured teeth can be restored and saved.

Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC

Wisdom Teeth

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall well-being. Our office provides skilled care to address the complications caused by problematic wisdom teeth.

Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC

Broken or Lost Dental Appliances

A broken or lost dental prosthesis or restoration can cause embarrassing gaps in your smile as well as compromise your ability to eat and speak with ease. If you've lost or broken a dental filling, denture, crown, or other dental appliance, you can rely on our office to perform a prompt repair or provide a durable and cosmetically pleasing replacement as quickly as possible.

At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, emergency appointments are always available. Of course, in addition to providing top treatment for dental emergencies, we also welcome patients searching for high quality and affordable care. We offer a complete range of the latest and best cosmetic and dental services for every member of your family.

How long do I have to wait for an emergency dental appointment?

+

If you are suffering from a toothache or have sustained a dental injury, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible before more serious complications arise. Whether your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as promptly as possible for care.

At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we treat your dental emergency as our top priority. Our caring team will respond to your emergency call right away, making sure you get the gentle, state-of-the-art care you need without delay.

As your trusted emergency dentist in Batavia, we provide the highest quality of care to mitigate the stress, anxiety, and discomfort of dental problems. Our dedicated team will help you start feeling better as soon as we receive your emergency call.

Do I need to go to the emergency room or hospital?

+

At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we provide skilled and experienced care to effectively resolve a broad range of dental emergencies, restoring a patient's oral health while protecting their overall wellbeing.

However, even so, specific dental emergencies pose significant threats to one's health. These situations require immediate, emergency room care. Serious and potentially life-threatening dental emergencies include significant oral and facial trauma such as jaw fractures, deep wounds or lacerations to the face and mouth, an abscess or infection that causes widespread facial or submandibular swelling, or affects breathing and swallowing.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

+

At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we provide prompt, skilled, and experienced care to address dental emergencies. We understand that finances are always a concern and do our best to provide options in care that are both affordable and respect your budget.

Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any existing dental issues, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required.

To help alleviate any additional stress or delay, you can count on our staff to work with you to optimize coverage for your dental care and to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. For patients without insurance, we strive to make things easier as well! We invite you to visit our financial information page or speak to an expert in our business office.

Why choose us for your emergency dental treatment?

+

Dental emergencies are often painful and debilitating experiences. For this reason it's important to have an emergency dentist in Batavia, who welcomes patients with urgent dental needs while providing the prompt care required to restore oral health.

Here are just some of the reasons why so many patients choose our office for emergency dental care and to meet their family's dental needs:

  • Skilled and compassionate care for patients of all ages
  • Ultra-modern office designed with patient comfort in mind
  • Professional team experienced in all facets of care
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology
  • Precise and gentle treatment using leading-edge systems of care
  • Careful attention paid to patient input and treatment expectations
  • Detailed explanations of treatment options and every step in care
  • Provision of a broad range of dental services and emergency procedures
  • Recognizes the specific needs of each patient and the unique requirements of every smile
  • Provide patients with the education and tools to establish a strong foundation for optimal oral health

We're dedicated to helping patients enjoy good oral health and beautiful smiles. We look forward to helping you keep your smile in tip-top condition. You can rest assured that our highly skilled office team will provide you the highest quality of state-of-the-art dental care and have you smiling again in no time!

To make an appointment or for more information on our office and the many state-of-the-art services we provide, give us a call today.

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

+

A dental emergency is any oral condition that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or prevent lasting damage. Examples include intense, unrelenting tooth pain, a tooth that has been completely dislodged, uncontrolled oral bleeding, or facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. Less dramatic problems such as a suddenly loose tooth, sharp enamel fragments, or signs of spreading infection also warrant prompt evaluation.

Timely care reduces the risk of complications and can often preserve a tooth that might otherwise be lost. Our team focuses on quick triage to determine the severity of the problem and the best next steps for diagnosis and stabilization. If you are unsure whether a situation is urgent, it is safer to contact the office so we can advise you promptly.

What should I do immediately if a tooth is knocked out?

+

If a tooth is completely dislodged, try to remain calm and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water only if it is dirty, do not scrub or use soap, and attempt to reinsert it into the socket if you can do so without force; otherwise keep it moist by placing it between your cheek and gums or in a container of milk or saliva.

Get to the dental office as quickly as possible because the best chance for saving the tooth is within the first hour. Bring the tooth with you and avoid smoking or using aspirin, and call the office on arrival for immediate evaluation and treatment. Quick action makes a significant difference in the likelihood of successful reattachment.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dental office?

+

The emergency room is the appropriate choice for life-threatening or systemic issues such as difficulty breathing, severe facial trauma with potential jaw fracture, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a spreading infection accompanied by fever and difficulty swallowing. Emergency departments can manage airway or major bleeding concerns and coordinate imaging or specialist care when medical stabilization is required. For isolated dental pain or local oral injuries without systemic signs, a dental office visit is typically the best first step.

If you have significant facial trauma or any symptom that threatens breathing or circulation, call emergency services or go to the nearest ER immediately. When the situation is dental but not life-threatening, contact the dental office for same-day evaluation and guidance. We will advise you whether immediate medical care is necessary and coordinate appropriately with other providers when needed.

How will my dental emergency be diagnosed?

+

Accurate diagnosis starts with a focused clinical examination to assess soft tissues, tooth stability, and signs of infection. We use modern diagnostic tools such as digital radiography and intraoral imaging to evaluate root involvement, fractures, bone changes, or pockets of infection that may not be visible on the surface. Combining hands-on evaluation with imaging lets us quickly identify the underlying problem and eliminate guesswork.

This thorough approach allows us to prioritize immediate needs like pain control and stabilization while planning any necessary definitive treatment. Digital tools also help us explain findings clearly so you understand the issue and the recommended next steps. When more complex medical concerns are present, we coordinate with emergency medicine or specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

What immediate treatments will control pain and infection?

+

Pain control and infection management are common priorities in emergency care, and we use local anesthetics to provide rapid relief during the initial visit. If an abscess or infection is present, we may perform drainage, recommend or prescribe antibiotics when appropriate, and provide clear instructions for home care to support healing. Temporary restorations, splinting of loose teeth, or smoothing sharp enamel fragments are often used to reduce discomfort and protect injured tissues.

These immediate measures are designed to stabilize the situation and buy time for definitive treatment when appropriate. We emphasize gentle techniques and clear communication about why each step is necessary and what to expect during recovery. If systemic signs of infection are present, we will consider urgent medical referral to protect your overall health.

Can a damaged or infected tooth usually be saved?

+

Our primary goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible through conservative treatments such as dental bonding, new restorations, crowns, or root canal therapy when the nerve is involved. Root canal treatment can eliminate infection and allow many teeth to be retained long term, while crowns and onlays restore strength and function after structural damage. Temporary repairs are commonly used initially to relieve symptoms and protect the tooth until definitive care can be completed.

There are situations when extraction is the safest option, such as when a tooth is non-restorable or poses a health risk. When extraction is necessary, we’ll discuss appropriate replacement options like dental implants, fixed bridges, or removable prosthetics so you can choose the solution that meets your needs. Throughout the process we focus on clear explanations and shared decision-making to support the best long-term outcome.

What should I bring and tell the team when I come for emergency care?

+

Bring a list of current medications, any allergies, and relevant medical conditions so we can avoid interactions and tailor treatment safely. If the emergency involves a dislodged tooth or broken restoration, bring the tooth or the fragment in a clean container and any pieces of crowns or dentures if available. Photo or notes about how the injury occurred and the timeline of symptoms can also help speed diagnosis and treatment planning.

If possible, arrive with a responsible adult who can assist with transportation and post-treatment care, especially after procedures requiring anesthetic or sedation. Having this information on hand shortens triage time and allows the team to focus on stabilization and pain control. Clear communication about your medical history and recent medications improves safety and treatment effectiveness.

What does recovery and follow-up after emergency dental treatment involve?

+

After initial stabilization you will receive written and verbal aftercare instructions covering pain management, oral hygiene, diet modifications, and signs to watch for that may indicate complications. Many emergency visits are followed by appointments to complete restorative work such as crowns, definitive fillings, or implant placement once healing has progressed. Adhering to prescribed medications, keeping follow-up visits, and maintaining good oral hygiene speeds recovery and reduces the chance of recurrent problems.

Healing times vary by procedure and individual factors, but we will discuss realistic expectations for discomfort, activity limitations, and timelines for additional care. If symptoms worsen — increasing pain, new swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing — contact the office immediately or seek emergency medical attention. We schedule follow-up steps to move from temporary stabilization to long-term restoration when you are ready.

How can I reduce the risk of future dental emergencies?

+

Prevention is an important part of emergency care, and routine dental visits help detect decay and gum disease before they become acute problems. Protective measures such as custom nightguards for bruxism and sports mouthguards during athletic activity reduce the risk of fractures and wear that can lead to urgent issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene, using fluoride as recommended, and addressing small problems early are practical ways to lower future emergency risk.

We will recommend evidence-based strategies tailored to your oral health history and lifestyle, including habit modification and periodic monitoring for high-risk conditions. Investing in preventive care and protective appliances often results in fewer emergency visits and better long-term outcomes. If you have concerns about habits or activities that increase your risk, bring them up at your next visit so we can design a prevention plan together.

How quickly can I be seen for an emergency and how do I contact the office?

+

We prioritize urgent cases and will work to schedule a same-day evaluation whenever possible so you receive timely diagnosis and relief. To request an emergency appointment call the office at (630) 879-0055 and describe your symptoms; our team will advise you on immediate first-aid steps and arrange the earliest available slot. In situations that involve breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of systemic infection, you should seek emergency medical care immediately.

The office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC emphasizes clear communication and efficient triage so you know what to expect from the moment you reach out. When you arrive for an emergency visit we focus on controlling discomfort, assessing damage with digital imaging if needed, and outlining next steps for stabilization and definitive care. Prompt contact and early treatment often lead to simpler procedures and better outcomes.

Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC | Oral Exams, Dentures and Implant Restorations

Our Services

Learn More

New Patients

Learn More

Request an Appointment

Start Today

Get in Touch

Address:

34 N Island Ave, Suite H, Batavia, IL 60510

Hours of Operation

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
By Special Appointment
Saturday
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday
Closed