You brush twice a day, you floss, and you never miss a checkup. But even the most perfect oral hygiene routine can’t protect you from a sudden accident. A fall on the sidewalk, an elbow to the jaw during a pickup basketball game, or biting down on an unpopped popcorn kernel can cause serious dental damage in seconds. While you can’t prevent every accident, you can be prepared for one. Having a plan is the best way to reduce stress and ensure a better outcome. This guide is your emergency playbook, outlining the immediate steps to take and how to find the right help, like a “24 hour emergency dentist near me that accept medicaid,” before you actually need one.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash can not prevent all dental problems, and in some cases, emergency treatment and extensive follow-up care will be necessary. Get in touch with an Emergency Dentist in Denver w/ 24/7 Emergencies.
What Causes a Dental Emergency?
In total, dental problems are responsible for the loss of nearly 320 million working or learning hours every year, with 92 million of those hours attributed to dental crises. It’s common for people to put off going to the dentist when they experience oral issues because they are unsure whether they need professional help. That, of course, raises other complications. As your dental health deteriorates, so does your wallet. Exactly what are the kinds of dental problems that call for an immediate examination? This post will go through the most typical dental emergencies that need to be addressed and how our Denver dentists can assist you in doing so in a timely and secure manner.
Dental Emergency vs. Medical Emergency: Where to Go
When to Visit the Emergency Room (ER)
When you’re dealing with a dental problem, your first instinct might be to rush to the hospital, but the emergency room isn’t always the right place. ER doctors are trained for medical crises, not dental ones, so they can’t actually fix a broken tooth or replace a lost crown. While they can provide pain medication or antibiotics for an infection, you’ll still need a follow-up with a dentist to address the root cause. You should only go to the ER for a dental-related issue if it involves a more severe medical threat. This includes a broken or dislocated jaw, deep cuts to your face or mouth that won’t stop bleeding, or a dental abscess that has caused swelling so significant it’s making it difficult to breathe or swallow.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
An emergency dentist is your best resource for almost any urgent problem that’s contained to your mouth. Unlike a hospital ER, a dental office has the specialized tools, imaging equipment, and expertise to treat the source of your pain and prevent further damage. For many dental emergencies, acting fast is critical—the sooner you get professional help, the better your chances are of saving a tooth. You should call a dentist right away for issues like a severe and persistent toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or a painful abscess on your gums. Here at Dental & Implant Centers of Colorado, we know these situations are stressful, which is why our team is prepared to provide the expert dental solutions you need to get out of pain and protect your oral health.
Is It a True Dental Emergency? Signs You Need Help ASAP
Ignoring even seemingly insignificant dental problems can lead to much bigger problems down the road if you don’t get them treated in a timely manner. Most people who experience dental emergencies do so because they believe their mouth is in a terminal condition. A broken jaw or excessive bleeding are both examples of dental emergencies. Dental problems can arise for many reasons, including lack of care or a genetic predisposition. Both situations call for prompt attention at the dentist. Having symptoms that constantly getting in the way of your daily life could be a sign of a serious dental problem that needs to be addressed. Bleeding, facial bone injuries, toothache, lost filling, knocked out tooth, abscess, and other forms of unbearable dental pain are all examples of situations that qualify as dental emergencies. There is no time to waste when dealing with severe tooth pain like this; you must see a dentist immediately. For painless emergency dental care in Denver, come to one of our clinics anytime.
Dealing with a Cracked or Knocked-Out Tooth
Broken or missing tooth Teeth can crack for a variety of reasons, including biting down on something too hard or grinding your teeth too much. It’s also possible to lose a tooth due to the aforementioned pursuits, or to get a blow to the jaw in an accident. One must go through an emergency dental checkup to get their teeth fixed in this situation. Whatever the reason for tooth loss, our Denver cosmetic and emergency dentists will evaluate your teeth and surrounding areas carefully and perform a quick, painless operation to restore your smile’s natural appearance.
First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a definite dental emergency, and you need to act fast. Call your dentist immediately. If you can find the tooth, be very careful to handle it only by the crown—the part you chew with—and not the root. Gently rinse it with water, but don’t scrub it or use any soap. The best way to preserve it is to try and place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist by putting it in a small container of milk or your own saliva. You have about an hour to get to the dentist for the best chance of saving the tooth. If the tooth can’t be re-implanted, don’t worry. We can discuss permanent, natural-looking replacements like dental implants to fully restore your smile.
First Aid for a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A small chip might not seem like a big deal, but if it’s causing you pain or sensitivity, it’s time to see a dentist. While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things you can do at home. First, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If the cracked tooth has a sharp edge that’s irritating your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax. Try to stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth. The right treatment depends entirely on the size and location of the crack, and your dentist will recommend the best course of action, which could range from a simple filling to a veneer or crown to restore its function and appearance.
Lost a Filling? Here’s What to Do
Tooth pain and discomfort can become unbearable when dental fillings are lost. Since the pulp of your tooth is no longer protected, inflammation and pain might result. This is a true dental emergency that requires immediate attention. When you visit our Cherry Creek dental clinic, our experienced dentists will replace the filling and clean out the deterioration between your natural tooth and the old one. Our top priority will be to keep you safe during the dental process, so we’ll employ the right tools for the job.
What to Do Immediately After Losing a Filling or Crown
It’s a startling moment—you’re chewing, and suddenly you feel a hard, foreign object in your mouth. When a filling or crown comes loose, it can be alarming, but knowing what to do can protect your tooth from further damage. This situation is more than just an inconvenience; it leaves the sensitive inner parts of your tooth exposed. Without the protection of the filling or crown, the underlying dentin and pulp are vulnerable to bacteria, temperature changes, and pressure from food. This exposure can cause sharp pain and sensitivity, and if left untreated, it can lead to infection or more significant decay. Acting quickly is key to preventing these complications and saving your tooth, so it’s important to treat this as a dental priority.
Your first step should be to call a dentist to schedule an emergency appointment. If you’ve lost a crown and still have it, rinse it gently with water and store it in a small, clean container to bring with you. It’s crucial not to try reattaching it yourself with household glues, as they are toxic and can permanently damage the tooth. While you wait for your appointment, you can manage discomfort by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. For temporary relief from sensitivity, you can cover the tooth with sugar-free gum or dental wax. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until a professional can provide a permanent dental solution.
First Aid for Serious Mouth Injuries
Loss of teeth and subsequent bleeding might be the result of dental damage sustained in an accident. It is recommended that you rinse your fractured tooth with water and place it inside your cheek in order to save the loose tooth. If the tooth can be saved, this will help it survive longer by preventing it from drying out. Nonetheless, it is advised that you contact our Denver clinics for an emergency checkup and allow our dentists evaluate whether or not the loosened tooth can be saved. To help our patients feel more at ease throughout painful dental procedures, we take extra precautions.
How to Manage Bleeding and Swelling
If you’re dealing with a mouth injury, your first priority is to manage any bleeding and swelling until you can see a professional. Taking the right steps immediately can make a huge difference. First, to control bleeding, take a piece of clean gauze or a cloth and apply firm, steady pressure to the wound. For swelling, a cold compress held against the outside of your cheek is your best friend—it helps reduce inflammation and can numb the area a bit to ease the pain. You can also gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution to help keep the area clean.
Remember, these are temporary first-aid measures. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after about 10 to 15 minutes of consistent pressure, or if you’re in significant pain, it’s crucial to seek help right away. Prompt professional attention is key to preventing infection and ensuring your injury heals properly. Our team is experienced in handling all types of dental emergencies and can provide the expert dental care you need to get your oral health back on track safely and comfortably.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Persistent Toothache
Constant pain in one or more teeth may be an indication of oral health issues. As effective as anti-inflammatory drugs are, they only dull the pain for a while. When the protective enamel and dentin of a tooth are worn away, allowing oral germs access to the pulp, the result can be excruciating pain. Since the pulp contains numerous nerve endings and blood arteries, an infection there can be quite painful. In order to stop the spread of infection and alleviate the pain you’ve been experiencing in your teeth, seeing an emergency dentist in Denver is a must.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dental Abscess
A toothache that lasts all day can be the result of an abscess or infection in the gums. And since biting and chewing can cause a lot of discomfort, it’s important to see a dentist often. Denver’s finest dentists can check out the abscess and drain the pus for you. After the operation, we will instruct you on how to properly care for your teeth so that you do not develop an infection.
Loose Adult Teeth or Broken Dentures
An adult tooth should never feel loose. If you notice any wiggling, it’s a clear signal of an underlying problem, like advanced gum disease or an injury, that requires immediate professional care. Similarly, a broken denture is more than just an inconvenience; it can affect your ability to eat and speak properly and can even cause sores in your mouth. While it might be tempting to reach for superglue, please don’t try to fix a broken denture yourself. A DIY repair can alter the fit, leading to further damage to both the denture and your gums. Instead, bring all the pieces to your dentist. Our team has extensive experience with restorative solutions and can determine the best course of action, whether it’s a professional repair or discussing a more permanent option like anchored dentures.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth and Jaw Pain
It usually starts with something small, like a popcorn hull or a piece of tough meat stuck between your teeth. If you can’t remove it with floss, the constant pressure and irritation can lead to gum inflammation and significant pain that can even radiate into your jaw. It’s important to resist the urge to use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks to pry it out, as you could easily injure your gums or scratch your enamel. Persistent jaw pain, even without an obvious cause, is another sign you shouldn’t ignore. It can be a symptom of teeth grinding, clenching, or an underlying infection. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to see a professional who can safely address the problem and relieve your discomfort.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
The Role of Regular Dental Checkups
The best way to handle a dental emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Think of regular dental checkups as your first line of defense against unexpected pain and problems. These appointments are crucial because they allow your dentist to spot potential issues, like a tiny cavity, a weakening filling, or early signs of gum disease, long before they escalate into a crisis. Catching these things early doesn’t just save you from discomfort; it also saves you time and money on more extensive treatments down the road. Our team provides a comprehensive range of preventative services to help you maintain excellent oral health and keep your smile strong, healthy, and free from emergencies.
Wear a Mouthguard and Avoid Bad Habits
Protecting your teeth from physical damage is another key part of prevention. If you play sports—even solo activities like biking or lifting weights—wearing a custom-fit mouthguard is one of the smartest things you can do. It acts as a cushion to absorb the impact of any blow to the face. Beyond that, a few small changes to your daily habits can make a huge difference. Try to stop seemingly harmless habits like chewing on ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages. These actions can cause microscopic cracks that weaken your teeth over time, leading to chips or fractures when you least expect it. Protecting the teeth you have is the best way to avoid needing complex restorations like dental implants later on.
How to Find the Right 24/7 Emergency Dentist in Denver
Finding a dentist online or through referrals can be time consuming and stressful when you’re already dealing with a dental problem. Let’s say you have difficulties with your teeth on a regular basis, or that you have a hard time keeping up with preventative dental treatment. If that’s the case, it’s best to find a Denver emergency dentist before you actually need one. If you’re in need of an emergency dentist, consider the following advice.
Keep It Local: Find a Dentist Nearby
Pick a dental office that is no more than 20 or 30 minutes away from your home in case of a dental emergency. Choosing someone who lives too far away can add unnecessary worry and anxiety in the event of an emergency. Each of our three Denver clinics—in Cherry Creek, Boulder, and Broomfield—is conveniently located within ten minutes of Denver’s downtown.
Do They Offer 24/7 Emergency Care?
There are some dental offices that won’t see people in an emergency if they have a long line of scheduled operations or examinations. To find out if a dental clinic is open to handle your emergency situation, you should call and ask what their hours are. If you’re in urgent need of dental care, our emergency dentists are available around the clock, including on the weekends. For individuals who are too afraid to wait, we offer same-day tooth extractions and pain medication.
Same-Day Emergency Procedures
When you’re dealing with a dental emergency, time is of the essence. The last thing you want to hear is that the next available appointment is days or even weeks away. That’s why it’s so important to find a dental practice that prioritizes urgent care and has the capacity for same-day procedures. Clinics that handle complex treatments like dental implants and oral surgery are often well-equipped to manage unexpected emergencies, from a severe toothache requiring an extraction to repairing a broken crown. Before an emergency strikes, confirm that your chosen dentist can accommodate urgent cases quickly. Having a plan in place with a responsive team gives you peace of mind, ensuring you can get the relief you need without a long, painful wait.
Consider Virtual Consultations (Teledentistry)
Sometimes, you may not be sure if your situation requires an immediate trip to the dentist’s office. This is where virtual consultations, or teledentistry, can be incredibly helpful. This service allows you to connect with a licensed dentist online via video call to discuss your symptoms. The dentist can assess your situation, offer professional advice on managing pain, and determine the urgency of your condition. In some cases, they can even send a necessary prescription to your local pharmacy. A virtual visit can be a great first step to get expert guidance fast, helping you understand whether you need to seek in-person care right away or if your issue can be managed at home until a regular appointment.
Review Their Range of Dental Services
Inquire as to what dental procedures are available. Your life will be simplified if you can find a dentist who is available on an emergency basis and who also offers cosmetic dentistry as a means of restoring your tooth. Our dentists at Dental and Implant Centers of Colorado have years of experience in both routine and emergency dental care. Seeking a Denver dentist open on weekends and holidays? Please get in touch with Colorado’s Dental Implant Centres. Even while regular dental hygiene helps prevent dental crises, they do occur. The first step toward a successful dental procedure is understanding what defines a dental emergency and making an appointment as soon as possible. If you find yourself in need of urgent dental care in Colorado, Dental and Implant Centers of Colorado is here to help. Dr. Dhawan, a skilled prosthodontist, visits patients every day and treats a wide variety of dental problems, such as toothaches, broken teeth, abscesses, and bleeding gums. In our modern dental clinic, we use cutting-edge technology to provide a risk-free, efficient, and complete treatment. DICC is available seven days a week and has helped thousands of people with urgent dental care needs. We take great pride in being available to you whenever you may need us and in seeing that your needs are met. Emergency Dentist in Denver 24/7 Dental Emergencies. Best Rated Dental Office in Denver. 5 Star Reviews. See Why our Patients Love us! call us today at: (720) 923-6014
Navigating Payment and Insurance for Emergency Care
A dental emergency is stressful enough without having to worry about the bill. The good news is that you have options, and a quality dental practice will work with you to make sure you can get the care you need without breaking the bank. Understanding how costs are determined, what your insurance might cover, and what financing is available can give you peace of mind when you need it most. At Dental & Implant Centers of Colorado, we believe that financial concerns shouldn’t stand in the way of your health. We’re committed to providing transparent pricing and flexible payment solutions to fit your budget, so you can focus on feeling better.
Understanding the Cost of Treatment
The first question on most people’s minds is, “How much will this cost?” The answer depends entirely on your specific situation. Treating a small chip in a tooth will have a very different cost than addressing a severe abscess or a knocked-out tooth that requires a more complex procedure. Because every case is unique, it’s impossible to give an exact price over the phone. However, a trustworthy emergency dentist will always perform an examination first and then provide you with a detailed treatment plan and a clear cost estimate before any work begins. This ensures you are fully informed and comfortable with the proposed plan, with no surprise bills later on.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover at least a portion of your emergency care. Most plans include benefits for urgent procedures, but the exact coverage can vary significantly. It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. At Dental & Implant Centers of Colorado, we accept most major dental insurance plans and our team is skilled at helping you maximize your benefits. We handle the paperwork and claims for you to make the process as smooth as possible. You can find a list of our accepted providers on our financing and insurance page, and we encourage you to call our office to confirm your coverage.
Options for Patients Without Insurance
Don’t let a lack of insurance prevent you from seeking immediate dental care. Many people are in the same situation, and dental offices are prepared with solutions to make treatment affordable. Delaying care for a dental emergency can lead to more severe complications and ultimately, more expensive procedures down the road. Instead of waiting, talk to the dental office about your options. Many practices offer flexible payment solutions specifically for patients without insurance coverage. The priority is to address your pain and prevent further damage, and there are financial tools available to help you manage the cost of that essential care effectively.
Financing Plans and In-House Options
For costs not covered by insurance, or for patients without any coverage, third-party financing is an excellent option. Companies like CareCredit and LendingClub specialize in healthcare financing, allowing you to break down the total cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments. These plans often come with low-interest or even interest-free promotional periods, making them a more affordable choice than using a high-interest credit card. At our clinics, we partner with these trusted companies to ensure our dental services are accessible to everyone. Our front office team can walk you through the simple application process right here in our office, helping you find a plan that works for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure my problem is a “real” emergency? It’s a common question, and the simple answer is: if it hurts, you should call. A good rule of thumb is to consider any dental problem that needs immediate attention to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth as an emergency. Persistent pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It’s always better to get a professional opinion than to wait and risk the problem getting worse.
I lost a filling. Can I just wait until my next regular appointment? It might seem like a minor issue, but losing a filling or crown leaves a sensitive part of your tooth exposed and unprotected. This makes it vulnerable to bacteria, which can lead to decay, infection, or even a fracture in the tooth structure. Treating it quickly is a simple fix, but waiting could turn it into a much more complex and costly problem that might require a root canal or crown.
Why is it so important to act fast if a tooth gets knocked out? When an adult tooth is knocked out, there is a small window of time, often less than an hour, where it has the best chance of being successfully re-implanted. The living tissues on the root of the tooth need to be preserved for it to reattach to the bone. By following the first-aid steps in this guide and getting to a dentist immediately, you significantly increase the odds of saving your natural tooth.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of normal business hours? A true dental emergency doesn’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither should your dentist. The first thing you should do, no matter the time of day, is call an emergency dental office. A practice that offers 24/7 care will have a system in place to answer your call, provide guidance on what to do right away, and arrange to see you as soon as possible to get you out of pain.
I don’t have dental insurance. Does that mean I can’t afford emergency care? Absolutely not. Please don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from seeking the care you need, as delaying treatment often leads to more serious and expensive issues. Many dental practices understand this concern and offer flexible solutions. We work with third-party financing companies that can break down the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments, ensuring you can get relief now and pay over time.
Key Takeaways
- An Emergency Dentist is Your Go-To, Not the ER: Unless you’re dealing with a broken jaw or uncontrollable bleeding, a hospital can only offer temporary pain relief. An emergency dentist has the specialized tools and expertise to treat the root cause of the problem and save your tooth.
- Immediate First Aid Can Save Your Smile: For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk. For other injuries, manage bleeding with firm pressure and reduce swelling with a cold compress until you can see a professional.
- Create Your Emergency Plan in Advance: The best way to handle a dental emergency is to prevent one with regular checkups and a mouthguard for sports. You should also identify a local dentist who offers 24/7 emergency care before you’re in pain, so you know exactly who to call.
