Emergency Dentistry
Same-day appointments for toothaches, chips, and dental trauma.
A dental emergency never picks a convenient moment — and you shouldn't have to wait to get out of pain. At Smile360 Chicago, Dr. Mustafa Salam keeps same-day appointments open six days a week for patients across West Ridge, Rogers Park, Edgewater, and the wider North Side. Whether it's a throbbing toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or sudden swelling, we'll see you fast, calm the pain, and fix the problem — gently, and with pricing you'll know before we start.
If you're in pain right now
- Same-day appointments, six days a week — walk-ins welcome
- Call (773) 338-7565 — we'll tell you what to do next
- Knocked-out tooth? Keep it in milk and come in within the hour
- We'll give you the price before any treatment starts
Dental emergencies we treat
If it hurts, it's bleeding, or something just doesn't feel right, it's worth a call. We provide same-day treatment for:
- Severe or persistent toothaches
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Lost or loose fillings and crowns
- Dental abscesses and infections (swelling, bad taste, fever)
- Broken dentures or dental appliances
- Injuries to the gums, lips, or cheeks
Not sure whether it counts as an emergency? Call us — we'll help you figure out what to do next and whether you need to be seen today.
What to do before you reach us
A few quick steps can protect your tooth and ease the pain on your way in.
Knocked-out tooth
Time is everything — a tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first hour. Pick it up by the crown (never the root) and gently rinse off any dirt with water, without scrubbing. If you can, slip it back into the socket and bite on clean gauze. If not, keep it tucked in a cup of milk (or your own saliva) and get to us right away.
Tip
For a knocked-out tooth, the first hour matters most. Milk keeps it alive on your way in — never let it dry out, and never scrub the root.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to clear any trapped food. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to bring down swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen as directed. Don't rest aspirin against the gum — it can burn the tissue.
Chipped or broken tooth
Save any pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. A cold compress helps with swelling, and a little dental wax or sugar-free gum over a sharp edge will protect your tongue and cheek until we see you.
Swelling or infection
Swelling, a bad taste, or a fever can point to an infection that needs prompt care — rinse with warm salt water and call us the same day. If swelling spreads toward your eye or throat, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, treat it as a medical emergency and head to the nearest ER.
Important
If swelling spreads toward your eye or throat, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest ER or call 911 — this is a medical emergency, not just a dental one.
Same-day, walk-in relief — six days a week
You shouldn't sit in pain for days waiting on an appointment. We hold time every day for urgent visits, and walk-ins are welcome. Call ahead if you can and we'll have everything ready the moment you arrive. Our office sits right on Devon Avenue, easy to reach from West Ridge, Rogers Park, Edgewater, and the wider North Side.
Upfront pricing, insurance, and financing
An emergency is stressful enough without a surprise bill. We'll walk you through your options and the cost before any treatment begins. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and file the paperwork for you — and for patients without coverage, we offer clear self-pay pricing plus flexible, low-interest financing through CareCredit, so you can get out of pain today and spread the cost over time.
“I built Smile360 to take the fear out of the dental chair — and that matters most when you’re already hurting.”
Gentle, judgment-free care when you need it most
Dr. Salam built Smile360 Chicago to take the fear out of the dental chair — and that matters most when you're already hurting. You'll get honest answers, an unhurried visit, and the same modern, precise care we bring to every appointment. No lectures, no pressure — just fast relief and a clear plan to keep your smile healthy.
In pain right now? Call Smile360 Chicago for same-day emergency care, or book online in under a minute — we'll help you feel better, fast.
What's included
- Walk-ins welcome
- Fast pain relief
- Open 6 days a week
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? We’re happy to help — give us a call.
For most dental problems — toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, lost fillings — an emergency dentist is faster, less expensive, and can actually treat the tooth (an ER usually can't). Go to the ER only for a true medical emergency: uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading toward your eye or throat.
Act fast — a tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first hour. Pick it up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse off dirt with water without scrubbing, and if you can, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it in a cup of milk or your own saliva and call us right away.
We do. Walk-ins are welcome for emergencies during office hours. If you can call ahead — even a few minutes — we'll prep for your arrival and get you seen faster. But if you're in pain, just come in.
Yes. We keep time open in the schedule every day for urgent visits, so most emergencies can be seen the same day — often within a couple of hours. Call as early as you can and we'll fit you in and have everything ready when you arrive.
If you're in pain, bleeding, or worried, it's worth a call. The most common emergencies we treat are severe toothaches, knocked-out or broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and swelling from an infection. When in doubt, call us — we'll help you decide whether you need to be seen today.
From our blog
Tooth Ache? Here’s What’s Causing It and How to Get Relief Fast
A throbbing toothache is your body’s way of saying something’s wrong. Here are the most common causes of tooth pain, what you can do for relief right now, and when to see an emergency dentist in Chicago.
Knocked-Out Tooth? Do These 5 Things in the First Hour
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth can often be saved — but only if you act fast. Here’s exactly what to do in the critical first hour to give your tooth the best chance.