Dental Emergency
We welcome SAME-DAY EMERGENCIES
Are you having a dental emergency?
If you believe you are having a dental emergency, please contact us immediately at (303) 228-0308. If it is outside of our office hours or we were unable to answer the phone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Cost of a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies follow the same payment guidelines as normal dental practices. For a list of our accepted insurance providers, forms of payment, and all other payment information, visit our financial page.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are any dental problems that need immediate treatment to stop bleeding, save a tooth, treat a severe infection, or alleviate severe pain. Severe infections or tooth abscesses can be life-threatening and you should call your dentist immediately. If your dentist is unavailable, see urgent care at your nearest medical facility.
If any of the following statements apply to you, you are having a dental emergency and should contact us immediately.
- I had a tooth knocked out.
- My tooth has been chipped or cracked.
- My mouth is bleeding and won’t stop.
- I’m in extreme pain or am experiencing severe swelling in my gums, mouth, or jaw.
- I have a toothache and swelling in my cheeks or face.
- My jaw is injured.
- My teeth are extremely sensitive and the sensitivity will not subside.
- My tooth is loose or out of alignment.
FAQS
If you have a dental emergency outside of normal business hours, you should contact an emergency dental service or visit your nearest hospital emergency room. Many dental practices offer emergency services or have an on-call dentist available.
If a tooth has been knocked out, it's important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Gently rinse the tooth with water, being careful not to remove any tissue fragments that may be attached. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible, or store it in a container of milk or saliva until you can get to a dentist.
If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be trapped between teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain, but you should avoid placing aspirin directly on the affected tooth or gums.
If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatment, but coverage may vary depending on the specific plan. It's important to check with your insurance provider to determine what emergency dental services are covered under your plan.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups, can help prevent dental emergencies. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or other high-risk activities can also help prevent dental injuries.
Overview
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to alleviate severe pain, prevent the loss of a tooth, or address a potentially life-threatening infection. Common dental emergencies include:
- Toothache: Severe, persistent tooth pain may be a sign of an abscessed tooth or other infection.
- Knocked-out tooth: A tooth that has been knocked out of the mouth due to trauma must be treated immediately to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
- Broken or chipped tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can cause pain and may expose the tooth’s sensitive inner layers to bacteria, leading to an infection.
- Lost filling or crown: A lost filling or crown can cause pain and discomfort and expose the tooth to further damage.
- Broken orthodontic appliances: Broken braces or other orthodontic appliances can cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat or speak.
Dental Emergency
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In the event of a dental emergency, it’s important to seek immediate care from a qualified dentist like Dr. Darwin. Delaying treatment can result in more extensive damage, more pain, and potentially more expensive treatment.
To reduce the risk of dental emergencies, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or other high-risk activities can also help prevent dental injuries.
If you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to seek care from an emergency dentist like Dr. Darwin or visit your nearest hospital emergency room.
Home Care for Dental Emergencies
- Pick up the tooth by the top (crown), NOT by the root—do not touch the root.
- Rinse the tooth very gently with only water, no soaps or chemicals. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers then hold it in place while trying to bite down.
- If you can’t place the tooth back into the socket, put it in a container with milk.
- Contact your dentist right away—the faster you act, the more likely it is that your tooth will be able to be reimplanted.
If you have a loose tooth or a tooth out of alignment, contact us right away to get an appointment setup as soon as possible. You can try to put the tooth back in its original position by very gently positioning the tooth with your fingers—do not force it. We will advise on if there is anything else you should do in the meantime, prior to your appointment.
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, contact your dentist right away. Chipped teeth that aren’t painful can usually be smoothed out or filled in at a regular dental appointment. A cracked tooth typically indicates that there’s damage to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside. If your tooth is cracked please follow these steps, after contacting your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
- Take acetaminophen (not aspirin) to alleviate pain
- Do NOT apply any pain medication—including Orajel—directly to the gums, as it can damage gum tissue
