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Emergency Dentistry

Providing Swift, Compassionate Care

Dental emergencies don’t wait until you have free time. Often, dental injuries and emergencies come when you least expect them, which means you need care fast. Some of the most common dental emergencies include pain, which may be caused by a tooth abscess that may need a root canal, lost fillings or broken crowns that leave you with highly sensitive teeth, or even dental trauma from a fall or accident.

At Total Dental Care, we understand that an emergency is just that – something that requires urgent treatment. We do our best to get you scheduled on the same day if possible so that you can get on with your life.

  • Same-day emergency care
  • Warm, caring team sensitive to your emergency
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Total Dental Care in Pekin, IL

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Often, people are unsure what qualifies as a true dental emergency, but severe pain is typically a clear sign that you need to be seen. If you are unsure, please contact our office immediately for confirmation. In general, here are some of the most common dental emergencies:

  • Abscesses: Dental abscesses are bacterial infections at the tip of the tooth root. These are often caused by untreated cavities or injuries. They can lead to severe pain, swelling, bleeding, and drainage.
  • Oral Trauma/Knocked Out Teeth: Oral trauma can lead to a knocked out tooth, bleeding, abrasions, and even a broken jaw. While we can treat some of these concerns, for severe bleeding or a broken/dislocated jaw, we often recommend emergency room care.
  • Lost Fillings: Typically what feels like a lost filling may actually be a fracture, where the filling and a surrounding cusp have broken off. We may need to replace the filling, or create a temporary while an inlay, onlay or crown is made at the lab.
  • Lost Crown: Occasionally, crowns can come loose and need to be re-cemented. Failing to address it quickly can lead to sensitivity, or fracturing of the underlying tooth, which could lead to the need for a new crown, so see us quickly!

Extractions

Broken and cracked teeth can’t always be saved. If we determine that your tooth can not be repaired, we may recommend an extraction. Removing the tooth and cleaning the site will relieve pain and get you on the road to healing.

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Root Canals

An infection in a tooth can lead to an abscess, inflaming the tissue around the root of your tooth and causing severe pain. The best way to resolve the pain is often with a root canal, where we replace the infected and inflamed pulp of the tooth with an inert material. This option usually allows us to save the tooth by placing a temporary material while your new crown is made.

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Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by all sorts of things, from decay to fractures to a bite that is out of alignment. Regardless of the cause, toothaches are known to be all-consuming and make it difficult to get on with your day. Dr. Dickey will diagnose the root cause and help get you out of pain quickly.

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Dental Trauma

Accidents happen. Maybe you tripped on a step or lost your balance and ended up hitting your teeth. Regardless of how it happened, dental trauma is painful and needs to be addressed quickly. Let us help you heal the hurt with same-day emergency care whenever possible.

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How We Can Help You

Total Dental Care in Pekin, IL

Same-Day Visits:

When available, we offer same-day appointments to resolve your emergency quickly.

Aftercare Instructions:

Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions so that pain and further complications are minimized.

Renewed Confidence:

With your dental emergency resolved, you can experience renewed confidence and get back to your life.

Highly-Skilled Dentists:

Our dentists and dental team are highly trained to resolve complex emergencies.

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Robert Martin
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Did great job 👏
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Laura Michael
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From the front desk staff, to the hygienist, to the dentist, everyone is friendly, prompt, and professional.
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Rhonda Stramka
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Thankful to have found this Dental practice! So kind! Took great care of me!!
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Brad
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The best! Always friendly and answer any questions you may have. Make you feel comfortable through the entire process.
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Beth Patch
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Best dental group around! Everyone is so friendly from the front desk to the assistants to the dentists😍 Love Dr Dickey and Dr Steinwedel! Jessica is an excellent hygienist and such a pleasure to work with. The whole staff goes above and beyond to help and support any issues! Love this team!
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Martin Mwongyera
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Very friendly and courteous staff! Great caregivers!
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Leslie Kelly profile picture
Leslie Kelly
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Yesterday, 8/28/26, I had a dental emergency. I had never been to Total Dental before, but they were the only office able to see me—and I am so grateful they did. From the moment I called in complete panic mode, the office staff was incredibly understanding and truly listened. They got me in so quickly that I had to leave my house immediately after calling! Once I arrived, everyone was wonderful. The assistant who brought me back and talked me through every step until I left was genuinely one of the kindest humans. I have severe dental anxiety, and she continuously reassured me and helped me stay calm. Dr. Steinwedel performed my procedure and was absolutely amazing. This was the first time I have ever been to a dentist and not felt judged for being a 38-year-old woman who is terrified of anything dental. As I told him, I have done hard things—I served in the military, worked in corrections, and gave birth—but dental procedures are a completely different kind of fear for me. He never dismissed that fear. Instead, he reassured me that what I was feeling was completely normal and supported me throughout the entire procedure. They made me feel so comfortable that, before leaving, I even had the confidence to schedule additional preventive-care appointments. If that doesn’t show how safe and supported they made me feel, I don’t know what does! Dr. Steinwedel also personally called later that evening to make sure I was recovering well. If I could give Total Dental more than five stars, I absolutely would. I cannot thank the entire team enough for their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care during an incredibly stressful situation.
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Anita Brown
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For someone that is petrified of dentist they are very caring and understanding on how you are feeling. I have had a wonderful experience and they always try to get you in right away.
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Ursula Coyle
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The most caring Dr and staff. And most knowledgeable! I am so grateful for each one of them!!! ❤️
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