What to do when a dental emergency strikes during your workday in the Loop

A dental emergency can derail your entire day, especially when you’re juggling meetings, deadlines and responsibilities at work or home. That's why Aspen Dental in the South Loop offers same-day, emergency appointments designed with busy professionals in mind.

If you have an emergency during your lunch hour or need a place to go after work, Dr. Halah Mohammed at Aspen Dental in the South Loop welcomes walk-ins for urgent dental issues, such as broken teeth, severe pain or a knocked-out tooth. Affordable payment options make it easier for you to get treated right away, without added financial stress.

Why dental emergencies don't wait for your schedule

Imagine that you're grabbing a snack before your presentation when a sudden flash of pain shoots through your jaw, and your tongue finds a tooth with a new jagged edge. You realize that something is not right, and presenting to your team just got a lot harder. Or maybe you’re at your desk when a toothache you’ve been pushing aside becomes impossible to ignore. The pain won’t wait, and neither can you.

Dental emergencies happen when you're least prepared for them. They don’t care about your deadline or that client call scheduled for 2 p.m. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer through your workday or wait days for relief. At Aspen Dental, Dr. Halah Mohammed and her team in the South Loop understand the reality of working downtown. When a dental emergency strikes, you need care that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Some dental issues don't require immediate attention, but others need care right away.

True dental emergencies that need same-day treatment:

• Knocked-out tooth (timing matters for saving the tooth)

• Severe pain that makes working or concentrating difficult

• Broken or cracked tooth with sharp edges

• Lost filling or crown causing sensitivity or pain

• Abscess or swelling of your gums or face

• Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth

• Broken jaw or facial trauma

Urgent situations that need care within 24 hours:

• Mild to moderate toothache

• Lost filling without pain

• Food stuck between teeth you can't remove

• Chipped tooth without sharp edges

• Minor gum irritation

The South Loop Aspen Dental team treats dental emergencies with the urgency they deserve. Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day appointments help you get back to your day without losing productivity.

How to handle common workplace dental emergencies

These situations can happen anywhere, including your office. Here's what to do for them before you get to your local Aspen Dental office.

Broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you can find the broken piece, store it in milk or saliva. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your cheek and tongue. Then, call Aspen Dental right away.

Knocked-out tooth

In this situation, timing is critical. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently if needed, but don’t scrub. Try placing it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or tuck it between your cheek and gum. Get to Aspen Dental within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Severe toothache

Rinse with warm salt water. Floss gently to remove anything stuck between teeth. Over-the-counter pain relief can help. Don’t place aspirin directly on your gums; it can harm the tissue. Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there's swelling. Schedule an emergency appointment.

Lost filling or crown

Save the crown if you have it. Clean it gently. You can temporarily reattach it using dental cement from a pharmacy or even a bit of toothpaste. Avoid chewing on that side. Call for an appointment to have it properly restored.

Something stuck between teeth

Try flossing first. Never use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks that could damage your gums. If the floss doesn't work, call the office for help. Leaving debris stuck between teeth can lead to infection.

Same-day emergency care in the South Loop

Dr. Mohammed and your Aspen Dental care team understand that you can’t put your life on hold for days waiting for a dental appointment. Same-day emergency care is available for South Loop professionals who need immediate help.

How same-day appointments work

Call the office as soon as the emergency happens. The team will ask about your symptoms and work to see you that same day. Most emergency patients are seen within hours, not days. You can often schedule visits around work meetings or come in on your lunch break.

What happens during your emergency visit

Dr. Mohammed will examine the problem and may take X-rays. You'll get a clear explanation of what's happening and the treatment options available. The team will discuss costs upfront, so you know exactly what to expect. If treatment can be done right away, you'll have the choice to proceed that same day.

Affordable emergency dental care for South Loop professionals

Worrying about dental costs shouldn’t stop you from getting the emergency treatment you need. Aspen Dental accepts most PPO insurance plans and verifies your coverage before any treatment begins. The team will walk you through what your plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Financing payment solutions through third-party lenders are also available, and 99% of patients who apply are approved.

Payment plans can make emergency treatments manageable, even when insurance doesn’t cover everything. You can focus on fixing the problem instead of figuring out how to pay for it. Getting a clear estimate before any treatment begins means there will be no surprises. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your care without financial stress.

Walk-in emergency care when you can't plan ahead

When dental emergencies come out of nowhere and you can't wait for a scheduled appointment, Aspen Dental in the South Loop welcomes walk-ins for urgent issues.

If you're in severe pain or experiencing dental trauma, you can simply come to the office without calling ahead. The care team will work to see you as quickly as possible.

Same-day availability means relief is within reach. Whether pain strikes during your morning commute or escalates throughout the afternoon, walk-in availability gives you options when you need them most.

Insurance and payment options

Aspen Dental works with most PPO dental insurance plans to help make emergency care more affordable. Your team will verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage before treatment. This upfront transparency means you'll know what your plan pays and what your responsibility will be.

Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices. However, flexible financing options and payment plans can make treatment accessible even without insurance coverage.

The office also offers the Aspen Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance. This plan provides discounts on dental services and can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for emergency treatment and ongoing care.

Preventing future dental emergencies

Not every dental emergency can be prevented, but a few small habits can reduce your risk.

Protect your teeth at work. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, as it can put stress on teeth and cause cracks or breaks. If you grind your teeth when sleeping (often from work stress), talk to Dr. Mohammed about a night guard. Grinding can wear down enamel and lead to fractures.

Don't use your teeth as tools. Opening packages, tearing tags or holding items with your teeth can chip or crack them. Instead, keep scissors and other tools handy.

Be mindful of what you eat. Afternoon dental emergencies often happen at lunch. Hard foods such as nuts or popcorn kernels can cause cracks. Sticky foods may dislodge fillings and crowns.

Keep up with routine checkups. Many emergencies start with small problems that get worse over time. Regular exams catch issues early. Schedule preventive visits every 6 months.

Wear a mouthguard for sports. Whether you bike to work or play pick-up basketball at lunch, an athletic mouthguard helps prevent tooth loss and injury.

Frequently asked questions about dental emergencies

Should I see a dentist for a dental emergency, and how quickly?

Yes. And timing matters. A knocked-out tooth should be treated within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it. Severe pain, swelling or uncontrolled bleeding needs same-day attention. Even moderate discomfort should be seen within 24 hours to help prevent more serious and costly issues.

Can I go to urgent care to fix a dental emergency?

No. Typically, urgent care centers cannot treat dental issues. They may help with pain or prescribe antibiotics, but they can’t fix the underlying problem. You need to see your dentist for broken teeth, lost fillings, abscesses or other dental emergencies. A same-day visit will provide the specialized care you need.

What should I do if a dental emergency happens on the weekend?

Call your Aspen Dental office in the South Loop. If the office is closed and your pain is severe, manage symptoms at home with over-the-counter relief and a cold compress until the office opens. Never place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn the tissue.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on the problem and treatment required. Simple repairs usually cost less than procedures like a root canal or crown. After examining your teeth and taking X-rays, your Aspen Dental care team will give you a clear estimate. Insurance is verified beforehand. Plus, payment plans are available to help make emergency care more accessible.

Will I need to take time off work for a dental emergency?

Often, no. Many emergency visits can fit into lunch breaks or after-work appointments. Your care team works efficiently to help you return to your day quickly. Some procedures can be completed during one visit, while others may require a follow-up for final restoration.

Does Aspen Dental accept Medicaid for emergency dental care?

No, Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices. However, most PPO insurance plans are accepted. For patients without insurance, the office offers financing options and payment plans to make emergency treatment accessible. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan provides another option for reducing treatment costs. Your care team will work with you to find an affordable solution for your emergency care.

What if I'm nervous about going to the dentist?

Dr. Mohammed and her team understand dental anxiety. They'll explain each step clearly and check in with you throughout to make sure that you're comfortable. Modern techniques help minimize discomfort. Sharing your concerns with the team helps them support you through the process. You should feel free to ask questions at any time during your appointment.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Toothaches very rarely go away on their own because of decay or infection. The pain may come and go, but the underlying issue will continue to progress to more discomfort, an abscess or even tooth loss. Early treatment helps prevent extensive and costly procedures.

When should you call Aspen Dental immediately?

Some symptoms indicate serious infection or an injury that needs immediate care.

Call right away if you experience:

• Severe pain that affects sleep or concentration

• Swelling of your face, jaw or neck

• Fever along with dental pain

• Pus or bad taste from a tooth or gum

• Trouble swallowing or breathing

• Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of pressure

• Facial or jaw trauma from an accident

You should not wait to address any of these issues. The sooner you get treatment, the better your outcome will be. For less severe dental issues, you can still call for a same-day or next-day appointment. You don't need to live with any dental pain or uncertainty. Your Aspen Dental care team will fit you into the schedule as quickly as possible.

Get back to your day with confidence

Dental emergencies are stressful enough. Now, however, when you’re in the middle of a busy workday, in one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods, you no longer have to wonder where you’ll go or how you’ll afford care.

In the heart of the South Loop, Dr. Halah Mohammed and the Aspen Dental team provide emergency dental care that’s built around your busy life. They understand that your career, time and comfort matter. Same-day appointments can keep you from sitting through meetings with a throbbing tooth. Walk-in care options have you covered when the unexpected happens.

Plus, clear pricing, the acceptance of most PPO insurance plans and flexible payment options remove the financial stress from emergency dental treatment. You can focus on getting relief instead of worrying about the bill. Fast financing approvals make care accessible right away.

Ultimately, your smile should not be the thing you stress about during your workday. Know that if your tooth breaks at lunch or sudden pain stops you in your tracks, help is close by and ready. Schedule an appointment for emergency dental care at the South Loop Aspen Dental. Call the office or walk in if you're dealing with urgent dental pain. Dr. Mohammed and her team are here to get you back to your day with relief and confidence.