Emergency Dentist in Boulder, CO

As your emergency dentistry providers, our goal is to restore a normal smile appearance as soon as possible, as well as remedy any functional issues. We provide each of our guests with the entire range of treatment options available to them, and believe in providing you with education and information so you can make your own choices about your dental health.

Fractured, Broken, or Chipped Teeth

A fracture or chip can range from a small surface chip to a deeper crack that reaches into the tooth's structure — and the difference matters, since a deeper fracture is more likely to need a root canal or extraction rather than a simple repair. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, schedule an emergency appointment right away to prevent it from getting worse. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, avoid chewing anything hard, and if a piece of the tooth broke off, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you. Root canals, extractions, and same-day dental crowns are common ways we treat this type of emergency — our CEREC same-day crown technology means many patients can leave with a fully restored tooth in a single visit. Our post on cracked teeth and porcelain restorations covers how we approach these repairs in more detail.

Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if you're seen within 30 minutes of the injury — though replantation is sometimes still possible after an hour or more. In the meantime:

• Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), never by the root
• Rinse it gently with water only if it's dirty — don't scrub it or use soap
• If possible, gently reposition it in its socket; if not, keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum
• Call our office right away and get to the appointment as quickly as you can

In some cases, we may be able to save the tooth and put it back in its normal position. If it can't be saved, a replacement tooth can be modeled on its original shape.

Extreme Tooth Sensitivity

A sudden onset of sharp pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can signal a cavity, a cracked tooth, worn enamel, or an exposed nerve. Sensitivity that comes on suddenly and doesn't fade is different from the mild sensitivity some people live with day to day, and it's worth having it checked rather than waiting it out, since the underlying cause typically won't resolve on its own.

Toothache

A toothache can be a sign of an abscessed tooth, a cavity, a fracture within the tooth, or other dental issues. Toothaches don't go away on their own. While pain relievers can assist in lessening pain, it will return unless the problem with the tooth is addressed. Contact our office for an emergency dental appointment if you're experiencing a toothache, especially if it's severe. You don't want to cause further damage to the tooth that may make it more challenging to repair. See a real example of same-day emergency care for a patient who came in with sudden tooth pain and left with a same-day crown.

Loose Teeth

In adults, a loose tooth is not normal and is usually a sign of gum disease, bone loss, or trauma to the mouth. Left untreated, a loose tooth can progress to tooth loss, so it's important to be seen promptly so we can identify the cause and stabilize the tooth if possible.

Jaw Swelling

Swelling around the jaw or face can indicate a spreading infection and should not be ignored. Please call our office right away so we can evaluate the cause and get you in for treatment.

Abscessed Tooth

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue, usually from untreated decay or gum disease. Abscesses don't resolve without treatment and can spread if left alone, so prompt care — often a root canal or extraction, along with addressing any infection — is important.

Common Causes of Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are often caused by incidents such as:

• Falls
• Bicycle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Fights
• Workplace accidents

No one wants to walk around with a damaged or missing tooth. Our dentists know how to assess the dental damage and recommend all treatments and restorations that can rebuild your teeth. Then, together you can discuss the options for long-term treatment of the problem, if needed.