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A patient with pain in her jaw sits through a consultation for dental emergencies

When Dental Pain Can’t Wait, Neither Should You

When dental pain or trauma strikes, waiting isn’t an option. Dental Emergencies require quick action, expert care, and, most importantly, a team that understands how stressful the moment can be. At Total Dental Care, we provide fast, empathetic emergency dental care for patients in Pekin IL, as well as the greater Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas. And we always put comfort and trust at the center of everything we do.

Located at 13 Olt Ave. in Pekin, our office is designed to help patients feel safe and supported, even during urgent situations. Whether you’re experiencing a severe toothache, dental trauma, or need an emergency extraction or root canal, our team focuses on immediate relief — often with sedation dentistry to ease fear and anxiety.

Expert Treatment for Every Type of Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they require prompt, expert attention. At Total Dental Care, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental issues right here in our Pekin office. Whether you’re dealing with severe pain, infection, or sudden trauma, our team provides fast diagnosis, effective treatment, and sedation options to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Below are the most common emergency services we provide:

Emergency Extractions

Emergency Extractions

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be the safest solution. We perform emergency extractions with precision and sedation options to minimize discomfort and anxiety.

Emergency Root Canals

Emergency Root Canals

Root canals are often needed to save an infected tooth and stop intense pain. Our advanced techniques and sedation options help make the procedure far more comfortable than most patients expect.

Severe Toothaches

Severe Toothaches

Persistent or sudden tooth pain is often a sign of infection or damage beneath the surface. We diagnose the cause quickly and provide targeted treatment to relieve pain and protect your oral health.

Dental Trauma

Dental Trauma

Accidents happen. Sports injuries, falls, or unexpected impacts can cause cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth. Immediate care improves the chance of saving the tooth and restoring your smile.

How Sedation Dentistry Supports Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies are often painful, stressful, and unexpected. For many patients, the urgency of the situation can make dental anxiety even stronger. That’s why sedation dentistry plays an important role in how we deliver emergency care at Total Dental Care.

Dr. Stephen Dickey, who is licensed in sedation dentistry, and Dr. David Steinwedel both understand that patients in pain need more than just fast treatment — they need an environment that helps them feel calm, safe, and supported. Sedation options allow our team to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and help patients receive urgent treatment comfortably, even during complex procedures like emergency extractions or root canals.

By combining emergency expertise with sedation-focused care, our goal is to help patients get the treatment they need quickly while making the experience far less stressful than they might expect.

A young boy gets his teeth checked after an appointment for dental emergencies from Total Dental Care

Signs You May Be Experiencing a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and often involve pain, infection, or damage that requires immediate attention. While some dental problems can wait for a routine appointment, others need prompt care to relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and protect your oral health.

You may be experiencing a dental emergency if you are dealing with:

  • Severe or persistent tooth pain – Often a sign of infection, deep decay, or damage within the tooth that requires immediate evaluation.
  • Broken, cracked, or knocked‑out teeth – Dental trauma from accidents, sports injuries, or falls can expose nerves or permanently damage a tooth without quick treatment.
  • Swelling, infection, or dental abscesses – These conditions may cause significant pain and can spread if not treated promptly.
  • A tooth that suddenly becomes extremely sensitive – Sharp pain when eating, drinking, or biting down may indicate internal damage or infection.
  • Injuries to the mouth, teeth, or jaw – Trauma affecting the teeth or surrounding tissues should always be evaluated by a dental professional as soon as possible.

If any of these situations sound familiar, contacting a dentist quickly can help relieve pain, prevent further complications, and give you the best chance of protecting your smile.

What to Expect When You Call Us in an Emergency

When you’re in pain, clarity and speed matter. Our emergency dental process is designed to move quickly without sacrificing comfort or transparency.

Rapid Response & Same-Day Scheduling

Rapid Response & Same-Day Scheduling

We do everything possible to see emergency patients the same day, especially when pain or infection is involved.

Comfort-First Evaluation

Comfort-First Evaluation

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, especially for patients with dental anxiety. We take time to listen, explain what’s happening, and discuss sedation options before treatment begins.

Sedation Dentistry for Stress-Free Care

Sedation Dentistry for Stress-Free Care

Sedation dentistry is a cornerstone of our emergency care. Whether you’re nervous, fearful, or in severe discomfort, sedation can help you relax and receive the care you need without added stress.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

We use modern imaging and diagnostic tools to quickly identify the source of pain or damage, allowing us to recommend the most effective treatment right away.

Clear Treatment Plan & Honest Guidance

Clear Treatment Plan & Honest Guidance

You’ll always know what’s happening, why it’s necessary, and what your options are. Trust, honesty, and transparency guide every emergency decision we make.

Fast Relief. Experienced Care. Real Peace of Mind.

When a dental emergency happens, you need fast relief, clear answers, and a team you can trust. Our emergency care focuses on stopping pain quickly while protecting your long‑term oral health.

Immediate Pain Relief

Immediate Pain Relief

Our first priority is stopping pain and stabilizing the issue so you can feel relief as quickly as possible.

Sedation Options for Anxious Patients

Sedation Options for Anxious Patients

Many emergency patients are also dealing with fear or anxiety. Our sedation dentistry options help you remain calm and comfortable throughout treatment.

Experienced Emergency Care

Experienced Emergency Care

Emergency treatments are handled by experienced doctors who routinely diagnose and treat urgent dental conditions.

Comprehensive In‑House Treatment

Comprehensive In‑House Treatment

From extractions to root canals and restorative procedures, most emergency care can be completed right here in our office.

Patient‑Centered Approach

Patient‑Centered Approach

Even in urgent situations, we prioritize communication, respect, and helping you feel informed about every step of your care.

A Team You Can Rely On When It Matters Most

Dental emergencies demand experience, empathy, and specialized training. That’s exactly what sets Total Dental Care apart.

  • Experienced Emergency Dentists – Our practice is led by Dr. Stephen Dickey, who is licensed in sedation dentistry, and Dr. David Steinwedel. Their combined experience in emergency, restorative, and sedation dentistry allows our team to diagnose urgent problems quickly and deliver the right treatment without unnecessary delays.
  • Sedation Expertise for Stressful Situations – Dental emergencies can be overwhelming. Our sedation dentistry capabilities allow patients to remain calm and comfortable, even during painful or complex procedures.
  • Comprehensive Emergency Treatment in One Office – From emergency extractions and root canals to restorative solutions that rebuild your smile, most emergency procedures can be completed right here without referrals or additional appointments.
  • A Calm, Supportive Environment During Urgent Care – Our team understands that emergencies often come with fear and uncertainty. We take time to explain what’s happening, answer questions, and help patients feel safe throughout the process.
  • Trusted by Patients Across Central Illinois – Patients from Pekin, Peoria, and Bloomington‑Normal rely on our team when urgent dental problems arise.

Here’s what some of our patients have to say about their experience with Total Dental Care:

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“Everyone in this practice that I have encountered seems very caring and concerned with your well-being. Went for a cleaning today & my tech was very personable and concerned with my comfort. Great practice!!”

— Shannon D.
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“I always look forward to my visit with Total Dental Care. Staff are skilled and joyful. I have developed relationships with people who truly care about my health.”

— Mary D.

Convenient Central Illinois Location & Hours

Our office is located at 13 Olt Ave. in Pekin IL. And our hours are convenient, too. We’re open:

  • 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

What Patients Ask Us About Emergency Dental Care

Yes. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible, especially when pain, infection, or trauma is involved. Our team prioritizes urgent calls so we can evaluate the problem quickly and begin relieving discomfort right away.

Absolutely. Sedation dentistry is one of our specialties and is frequently used during emergency procedures to help patients remain calm and comfortable. For patients experiencing anxiety, pain, or fear, sedation can make urgent treatment much easier to tolerate.

Call our office as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided on our phone system. Our team will guide you on the next steps and help you schedule the earliest available appointment so the problem can be evaluated and treated quickly.

A woman sits in a dentist’s chair, inhaling nitrous oxide, after contacting Total Dental Care about one of her dental emergencies

Emergency Care Is Just the Beginning

Emergency treatment solves the immediate problem, but protecting your long‑term oral health requires ongoing care. At Total Dental Care, emergency dentistry connects seamlessly with the broader services we provide to keep your smile healthy, comfortable, and confident.

You may also want to explore:

Preventative Dentistry

Routine cleanings, comprehensive exams, digital X‑rays, and proactive care designed to catch small problems before they turn into painful emergencies.

Restorative Dentistry

Treatments such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants that repair damage and restore strength and function after a dental emergency.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Services that improve the appearance of teeth affected by chips, cracks, discoloration, or other damage caused by trauma or wear.

Sedation Dentistry

Comfort‑focused options that allow anxious patients to receive both urgent and routine dental care in a calm, relaxed state.

Together, these services allow our team to support your oral health from urgent treatment to long‑term protection, all from one trusted Pekin dental office.

Get Fast Help for a Dental Emergency

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, dental trauma, or another urgent problem, getting professional care quickly can make all the difference. Our team at Total Dental Care is prepared to evaluate the situation, relieve pain, and provide the treatment you need as soon as possible.

Call Total Dental Care today: 309-347-7055

Our office is located at 13 Olt Ave., Pekin, IL, and we proudly serve patients throughout Pekin, Peoria, Bloomington‑Normal, and surrounding Central Illinois communities.

When a dental emergency happens, fast, experienced care matters. Let our team help you restore comfort and protect your smile.

309-347-7055  Request Appointment