Why Waiting for Dental Care Can Be Dangerous
A dull toothache or small chip might seem harmless—until it suddenly turns into excruciating pain. Many people put off seeing a dentist because they hope the issue will go away on its own, but when it comes to dental problems, waiting usually means more pain, more expense, and more complicated treatment.
At Smile Glen Ellyn, Dr. Thomas Gibbs and Dr. Jessica Gibbs have seen countless patients who waited too long to seek help—and paid the price with advanced infections, tooth loss, or costly procedures that could have been avoided.
According to the CDC, Americans lose about 92.4 million hours of work every year because of unplanned dental care needs, such as pain or dental emergencies. And across the U.S., more than two million emergency department visits each year are related to preventable dental problems.
If you live in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, or Winfield, IL, timely care from your local dentist can save you time, money, and stress. Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Call our Glen Ellyn dental practice at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your appointment today.
The True Cost of Waiting: Beyond Dollars and Cents
Delaying dental treatment isn’t just about dealing with discomfort—it can also have a real financial impact.
Small problems like minor decay or a chipped tooth can quickly progress into more serious conditions requiring root canals, crowns, or even extractions. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the average cost of an emergency dental-related ER visit in 2021 ranges from $440 for children to $1,110 for adults aged 65 and older, yet most emergency departments can’t perform dental treatments such as fillings or extractions.
What’s worse, EDs billed over $1.14 billion nationwide for dental-related visits in 2019–2020—the majority of which ended without resolving the issue. By contrast, early intervention at your dentist’s office typically costs 50–70% less and actually fixes the problem instead of temporarily relieving symptoms.
When you delay care, you may also face indirect costs like lost work hours, increased insurance premiums, or the need for complex dental restorations later on.
Health Risks of Delaying Emergency Dental Treatment
Ignoring a dental issue can have serious health consequences that extend far beyond your mouth.
A simple cavity or cracked tooth can lead to:
- Tooth abscesses, which may spread infection to the jaw or bloodstream
- Bone loss in the jaw from untreated decay or infection
- Sinus complications from upper tooth infections
- Systemic effects, such as worsening diabetes or increased heart disease risk
Most dental emergencies could be prevented with earlier care. The CDC also reports that about 10% of adolescents aged 12–19 years in the U.S. have untreated dental decay, a problem that often leads to emergency visits later on.
At Smile Glen Ellyn, we’ve treated patients who tried to “wait out” a toothache, only to end up needing a root canal or extraction that could have been avoided with a quick, early visit.
Emotional and Quality-of-Life Costs
Dental pain doesn’t just affect your wallet or your health—it can also impact your daily happiness and confidence.
Persistent discomfort can interfere with sleep, focus, and even emotional well-being. Patients who experience chronic pain often feel anxious or irritable, and many report feeling embarrassed about their smile if visible decay or swelling occurs.
We’ve seen it firsthand at our Glen Ellyn dental office: one patient delayed treating a cracked tooth before an important work presentation—only for it to become infected over the weekend. The result? Emergency treatment, missed time off work, and unnecessary stress.
Your oral health affects your overall quality of life. Taking action early can help you stay pain-free, confident, and in control.
Why ER Visits Aren’t the Answer
When a dental emergency strikes, many people instinctively go to the nearest hospital—but that’s often not the best choice.
Emergency rooms are not equipped for dental treatments like fillings, extractions, or crown repairs. Instead, most ERs can only prescribe pain medication or antibiotics. In fact, 92.8% of dental ER visits end with discharge and no definitive treatment, according to the AHRQ.
Rather than spending hours waiting in an ER only to leave without relief, Glen Ellyn residents can get fast, effective treatment from our emergency dentists in Glen Ellyn. At Smile Glen Ellyn, our team offers same-day and next-day appointments for dental emergencies—including toothaches, broken crowns, knocked-out teeth, and swelling.
If you’re in pain, it’s always best to call your local Glen Ellyn dentist first. You’ll save time, money, and your smile.
The Smart Alternative: Immediate Dental Care in Glen Ellyn
When you choose Smile Glen Ellyn, you’re choosing compassionate, immediate care from a trusted local team.
We prioritize emergency appointments to ensure patients get prompt attention when they need it most. Whether it’s a toothache, broken filling, chipped tooth, or lost dental crown, our dental office provides same-day treatment options to relieve pain and prevent further damage.
Our office proudly serves Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Winfield, IL, offering flexible scheduling and convenient payment options. If you’re in pain, call Smile Glen Ellyn at (630) 858-8800 today. Don’t wait—early treatment can make all the difference.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many are preventable with good oral hygiene and routine care. Here’s how to protect your smile:
- Schedule regular checkups and cleanings every six months
- Address minor tooth pain or sensitivity early
- Wear a custom mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
- Maintain daily brushing and flossing habits
Taking proactive steps now means fewer surprises—and fewer emergency visits later.
Act Now to Save Your Teeth and Money at Smile Glen Ellyn
Delaying emergency dental care may feel convenient in the moment, but it often leads to more pain, more expense, and more serious problems down the road.
At Smile Glen Ellyn, our dentists in Glen Ellyn are dedicated to helping patients get fast, effective relief before small issues turn into major emergencies. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or discomfort, don’t wait another day.
Call Smile Glen Ellyn at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your emergency dental appointment. We welcome patients in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Winfield, IL.
