Emergency Dentistry

Urgent Dental Care in Denver - Lowry Advanced Dentistry Emergency Services

Are you experiencing a sudden toothache, broken tooth, or dental injury? At Lowry Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Michael Hoagburg, a top-rated emergency dentist in Denver, CO, provides immediate emergency dental care to help you when you need it most. We know that dental emergencies can be painful, stressful, and frightening, which is why our team prioritizes getting you seen quickly and relieving your discomfort as soon as possible.

Serving patients in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, and Lakewood, our practice is your trusted partner for emergency dental services when time is of the essence. Call 303-333-5148immediately to speak with our team and schedule your urgent care appointment today. 

What Counts As A Dental Emergency?

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A completely knocked-out permanent tooth represents one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. When this occurs, the chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth decrease significantly with each passing minute. Dr. Michael Hoagburg emphasizes that patients have roughly 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. The tooth should be handled carefully by the crown (never the root), gently rinsed if dirty, and ideally placed back in its socket or kept moist in milk or saliva while rushing to the dental office.

Severe Toothache

While minor tooth sensitivity might not constitute an emergency, severe, persistent tooth pain often signals a serious underlying problem such as an infection, abscess, or deep decay. Pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily activities warrants immediate attention. This type of pain can indicate that bacteria have reached the tooth’s pulp, potentially leading to more serious health complications if left untreated.

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, appearing as a painful, swollen bump on the gums. This condition is always considered a dental emergency because the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, and even the brain in severe cases.

Immediate treatment with drainage and antibiotics is critical to prevent the infection from spreading.

Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth

The severity of a broken tooth determines the urgency of treatment. A minor chip with no pain might wait for a regular appointment, but a significant fracture that exposes the tooth’s inner layers or causes sharp pain requires emergency care. Dr. Michael Hoagburg can assess the damage and determine whether the tooth needs immediate bonding, a crown, or other restorative treatment to prevent further breakage or infection.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a filling or crown falls out, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage, sensitivity, and decay. The exposed tooth structure can be extremely sensitive to temperature and pressure, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. While this might not seem as urgent as other emergencies, prompt treatment prevents further damage to the compromised tooth structure.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue that result in significant bleeding or lacerations require immediate attention. These injuries often occur alongside other dental trauma during accidents or falls. While some minor cuts heal on their own, deeper wounds may need sutures to control bleeding and promote proper healing.

Objects Caught Between Teeth

If something becomes wedged between teeth and cannot be removed with gentle flossing, it constitutes an emergency. Attempting to remove the object with sharp instruments can damage gums and teeth. Professional removal prevents infection and damage to the surrounding tissues.

Orthodontic Emergencies

While many orthodontic issues can wait for a regular appointment, certain situations require immediate attention. A broken wire that’s poking and cutting the inside of the mouth, a loose bracket causing severe pain, or trauma to the mouth while wearing braces should be evaluated promptly by Dr. Michael Hoagburg.

What Should I Do Until I Can Get to A Dentist?

The actions you take immediately after a dental emergency can significantly impact the outcome of your treatment. While these measures don’t replace professional dental care, they can help manage pain, prevent further damage, and improve the chances of successful treatment when you reach Lowry Advanced Dentistry in Denver, CO.

Immediate Steps for Any Dental Emergency:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation.Take a moment to understand the extent of the injury or problem so you can communicate it clearly to Dr. Michael Hoagburg’s office.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm water.This helps clean the affected area and removes any debris that might cause further irritation or infection.
3. Control any bleeding.Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a tea bag to any bleeding areas. Most bleeding should stop within 15 minutes of constant pressure.
4. Save any broken pieces.If a tooth or piece of dental work has broken off, carefully collect the fragments and bring them to your appointment.
5. Apply a cold compress.Hold an ice pack or cold compress against the outside of your face near the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and numb pain.
6. Manage pain appropriately.Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package. Never place aspirin directly on gums or teeth, as it can burn tissue.
7. Protect exposed or damaged areas.For lost fillings or crowns, use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. For sharp edges on broken teeth, cover them with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your soft tissues.
8. Keep knocked-out teeth moist.If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown only, rinse it gently if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva. Never use tap water or let the tooth dry out.
9. Avoid certain foods and habits.Don’t chew on the affected side, and stay away from hard, sticky, very hot, or very cold foods that could worsen the problem or cause more pain.
10. Contact Lowry Advanced Dentistry immediately.Call our local dental office at 303-333-5148right away to explain your situation and schedule an emergency appointment. The sooner you receive professional care, the better your outcome will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly do I need to see a dentist after a tooth gets knocked out?

You should see Dr. Michael Hoagburg within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Keep it moist in milk or saliva, handle it only by the crown, and never let it dry out. Contact Lowry Advanced Dentistry immediately and get to the office as quickly as possible.

What if my dental emergency happens on a weekend or holiday?

Lowry Advanced Dentistry provides emergency contact information for after-hours situations. When you call, you’ll receive instructions on how to reach Dr. Michael Hoagburg or an on-call team member who can assess your situation and provide guidance on whether you need immediate treatment or can wait until the office opens.

How can I tell if a toothache is serious enough to be considered an emergency?

Seek immediate care if you experience severe pain that interferes with sleep or eating, pain accompanied by fever or facial swelling, visible swelling on the gums, pain radiating to your jaw or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a persistent foul taste in your mouth. When in doubt, contact Lowry Advanced Dentistry in Denver, CO to describe your symptoms and get professional guidance.

Emergency Dental Relief is Waiting – Reach Out to Dr. Hoagburg Now

When you’re in pain, every second matters. Whether you’re calling from Aurora, Centennial, or Lakewood, Dr. Michael Hoagburg and the compassionate team at Lowry Advanced Dentistry are ready to help you through your dental emergency. 

We know how scary and overwhelming a dental crisis can feel, which is why we’ve made it our mission to provide swift, gentle care when you need it most. Don’t spend another moment suffering or worrying about your dental health. Pick up the phone right now and call 303-333-5148to speak with our emergency dental team. Your smile deserves immediate attention, and we’re here to make sure you get the relief and treatment you need today.