Dental Emergencies

We know how uncomfortable and worrisome a dental emergency can be. At Pearl Street Dental, our goal is to accurately diagnose the problem, treat the problem, and stop the pain, so we can jumpstart the healing process. Dental emergencies offer us the chance to serve our patients at the highest level and we always do our very best to get you in as quickly as possible.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call

303.443.3771

Examples of Dental Emergencies

There are two different types of dental emergencies – life-threatening and non-life-threatening. If you have an urgent, but non-life-threatening dental concern, it’s important to give us a call as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common examples of non-life-threatening dental emergencies.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by trauma or decay. Depending on the severity, a dental professional may need to repair the tooth with a crown, bonding, or other treatments.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can be painful and cause sensitivity to hot and cold. It is important to replace a lost filling or crown as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth.

Lost Tooth

A lost tooth can occur due to trauma or infection. If you have the tooth, it should be placed in a cup of milk and brought to the dentist. If it cannot be reattached, you may need to replace it with an implant or bridge.

Toothache or Mouth Pain

Tooth and mouth pain are some of the most common dental emergencies, usually usually caused by a cavity or infection. The pain can range from a mild ache to severe, stabbing pain and can be accompanied by swelling and fever.

Minor Soft Tissue Injury

Some dental emergencies don’t involve the teeth at all. Soft tissue injuries are one such example. These include trauma to the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue. If it’s a minor injury, contact your dentist and use a cold compress to control bleeding and swelling.

Dental vs. Medical Emergency

Although most dental emergencies can be handled by a dentist, there are some instances where your dental emergency may be critical enough that you should seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room. The following are considered to be potentially life-threatening dental emergencies.

Severe Bleeding

If you have severe, uncontrollable bleeding in or around your mouth, it’s important to have someone take you to the emergency room as quickly as possible. Minor bleeding that is caused by trauma or a lost tooth is not an automatic cause for going to the emergency room as long as it is not excessive and can be controlled.

Swelling Caused by a Spreading Dental Infection

Dental infections around the teeth and gums are somewhat common. But, if you have an infection that is accompanied by severe swelling that is spreading and could interfere with breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Boulder?

Dental emergencies can range from mild to severe and require urgent attention. Unaddressed dental emergencies can lead to serious complications and even permanent damage to teeth. If you live in the Boulder area and are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Pearl Street Dental and we’ll make every effort to get you in as quickly as possible.

Call (303) 443-3771