Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dental Care When You Need It Most

The unexpected can happen at any time, but knowing how to act during a dental emergency can help you stay calm and collected in an otherwise stressful situation. At Dental Arts of Eagle in Eagle, CO, Dr. Todd Shainholtz is an emergency dentist with over 30 years of experience. Our team provides patients with information on some of the most common dental emergencies and explains how to handle them safely and efficiently.

If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office online or call (970) 328-6347. We can help alleviate your pain so you can go back to enjoying life to the fullest again.

Woman holding jaw marked in red to indicate pain

Knowing when to seek emergency care can help you feel prepared in an otherwise stressful and unpleasant situation.

Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies usually happen quickly. These situations can be nerve-wracking, especially when you or a loved one is in pain. However, an appropriate response can help soothe tensions and in many cases, even save a damaged tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth becomes avulsed, or knocked out, pick it up and gently rinse it off. Be sure to hold it by the crown, not the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket until you can make it to the dentist’s office. If this is not possible, you can store the tooth in a cup of saline or milk.

Be sure you inform our team about your situation over the phone so we can offer appropriate instructions while you are headed to our office.

Fractured Tooth

A severely cracked or fractured tooth will need immediate attention. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce inflammation. If you can find the piece of the tooth that broke off, place it in a plastic bag and bring it to our office with you.

Toothaches

There is a misconception that toothaches can be relieved by placing aspirin directly on the gums. Never do this, as it can burn the delicate soft tissues in the mouth. Instead, gently rinse your mouth and floss around the problematic tooth to remove any irritants. Contact us immediately and ask for further instruction. In some cases, we may recommend root canal therapy.

Soft Tissue Injury

Lacerations to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums can cause significant bleeding. Apply pressure to reduce bleeding, and then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding is persistent, call your doctor right away.

Jaw Injury

Any type of jaw injury needs immediate attention, especially if a fracture is suspected. In these cases, we recommend visiting your nearest emergency room.

Non-Emergency Situations: When to Wait

It can be difficult to know when to call your dentist. There are a few scenarios that do not require immediate attention. Typically, you can wait until regular office hours to address:

Minor chips
Loose or broken orthodontic wires or brackets
Dull toothaches
Food stuck between the teeth
Lost restoration

Here is a helpful guideline: if you are in pain, call your dentist. If you are not in pain, it can probably wait until the next business day.

What to Do on Your Way to the Dentist

There are a few things you can do on your way to the dentist to address discomfort, bleeding, and swelling. If you are experiencing soreness, take an over-the-counter pain reliever right away. To reduce inflammation, apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the side of the jaw and cheek. Most importantly, be sure you inform Dr. Shainholtz about your situation over the phone so we can offer appropriate instructions while you are headed to our office.

Schedule an Emergency Visit

At Dental Arts of Eagle, we are here for you whenever you need emergency dental care. To learn more, schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (970) 328-6347.