Caring for families across the Loop, Millennium Park, River North, and downtown Chicago.
image

What should I do in a children's dental emergency?

If your child has a dental emergency, like a knocked-out tooth, a bad toothache, or a broken tooth, we're here to help. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, we offer gentle, same-day children's emergency appointments Monday through Thursday in Chicago's Loop. Call or text us right away, and we'll guide you and get your child out of pain quickly.

Children's Dental Emergencies We Help With

Kids are active, and accidents happen. Whether it's a tumble at the playground, a sports injury, or a sudden toothache, we're ready to help your child feel better. Common emergencies we treat include:

A knocked-out or loosened tooth
A bad or lingering toothache
A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
An injury to the mouth from a fall or sports
Swelling, or signs of an infection
An object stuck between the teeth

Whatever's happening, call or text us right away. We'll talk you through what to do and see your child as soon as possible.

A parent and child arriving for a same-day dental emergency visit in Chicago
A parent and child arriving for a same-day dental emergency visit in Chicago
Dentistry at Millennium Park
A parent and child arriving for a same-day dental emergency visit in Chicago

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Here's quick guidance for common situations. In every case, call or text us right away so we can help.

  • Knocked-out baby tooth: Do not try to put it back in, this can harm the adult tooth developing underneath. Gently press and call us.
  • Toothache: Rinse your child's mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling. Then call us.
  • Chipped or broken tooth: Save any pieces if you can, rinse the mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress.
  • Something stuck between teeth: Try gently flossing it out. Never use a sharp or pointed object. If it won't budge, call us.

Note: When to go to the ER: For severe bleeding that won't stop, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to the head, face, or jaw, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

We Make Emergencies Easier on Kids

A calm, caring approach makes all the difference in a stressful moment. We:

icons

Get your child seen quickly with same-day appointments, Monday through Thursday

icons

Gently relieve your child's pain and discomfort

icons

Stay patient and reassuring, so a scary moment feels manageable

icons

Explain everything to you and your child in simple, calming terms

icons

Offer comfort items to help your child feel safe

Children's Emergency Dentistry Near Millennium Park, Chicago

Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, easy to reach quickly when your child needs care.

We care for families from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.

Chicago's Loop near Millennium Park

Why Acting Quickly Helps

01

Relieves pain sooner

The faster we see your child, the faster they feel better.

02

Saves teeth

With a knocked-out permanent tooth, quick care gives the best chance to save it.

03

Prevents bigger problems

Treating an injury or infection early avoids complications.

04

Eases worry

A fast, calm response helps both you and your child feel reassured.

05

Protects the adult teeth

Prompt care for baby-tooth injuries helps protect the permanent teeth underneath.

What to Expect at the Visit

When you arrive, our priority is your child's comfort and relief.

Note: Our comfort menu (noise-canceling headphones, Netflix, blankets, and more) helps your child feel safe during an unexpected visit.

Chicago skyline

Cost & Insurance

We understand an emergency is the last time you want to worry about cost. Many emergency visits and treatments are covered in part by dental insurance, and we're in-network with most major PPOs. We'll review your benefits and explain everything clearly.

To help, we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry. Our focus in the moment is simple: get your child comfortable and taken care of.

A consultation about veneers at Dentistry at Millennium Park

When It's After Hours or Severe

We offer same-day emergency appointments Monday through Thursday, so if your child has an urgent dental problem during those days, call or text us right away and we'll do our best to see them quickly.

If a serious emergency happens outside our hours, or at any time involves severe bleeding that won't stop, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a significant injury to the head, face, or jaw, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For dental concerns, reach out to us as soon as we're open and we'll get your child in as soon as possible.

Related pediatric care: Children's Dental Fillings and Children's Dental Cleanings.

Why Families Choose Dentistry at Millennium Park

In an emergency, you want a team that's calm, gentle, and genuinely good with children. We respond quickly, focus on easing your child's pain, and treat your little one with the same care and patience we'd want for our own families.

As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we bring a caring, personal touch that helps children feel safe, even on a hard day.

Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS, Founder and Lead Dentist

Reviewed by Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS

Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park. 

Last updated: June 2026

Meet Dr. Ranganathan
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the tooth. For a permanent (adult) tooth, pick it up by the crown, rinse it gently if dirty, try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk, and see us immediately as time matters. For a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it, as this can harm the adult tooth underneath; keep your child calm and call us.

Rinse their mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling and give age-appropriate pain relief as directed. Avoid putting aspirin on the gums, and call us so we can help.

Yes. We offer same-day children's emergency appointments Monday through Thursday. Call or text us right away and we'll do our best to see your child quickly.

For severe bleeding that won't stop, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to the head, face, or jaw, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For dental issues, contact us and we'll see your child as soon as possible.

A knocked-out or loosened tooth, a bad toothache, a chipped or broken tooth, a mouth injury from a fall or sports, swelling, or signs of infection. When in doubt, call or text us and we'll help you decide.

At our family-friendly office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome families from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 right away.

Is Your Child Having a Dental Emergency?

Don't wait, the sooner we see your child, the better. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 right away, and we'll guide you and get your little one the gentle care they need.

get in touch

Request an Appointment

We're welcoming new families in Chicago. Tell us what your child needs and our team will be in touch.

Preferred Date