Emergency Care

Emergency Dentistry in Erie, CO - Relief When You Need It Most

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, you need quick, reliable care to relieve pain and prevent further damage. At Espire Dental Erie, we’re here for you when you need us most. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a cracked tooth, or an unexpected injury, our team provides prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to patients in Erie, Lafayette, and nearby communities. We’ll get you back to feeling your best as soon as possible.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do before you arrive at the dentist can make all the difference. Here are some common emergencies and how to handle them until you can get to Espire Dental Erie:

  • Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss to remove any food that may be lodged between your teeth. Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort until your appointment.
  • Chipped or Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you to your appointment.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (the visible part), avoiding the root. Rinse it gently with water if needed, but do not scrub it. If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket, or keep it in a container of milk or saliva to preserve it until you reach our office.
  • Lost Filling or Crown: If a filling or crown falls out, you can temporarily place dental cement or even sugarless gum in the cavity to protect the area until your visit. Bring the crown with you, as we may be able to reattach it.
  • Abscess: An abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Rinse your mouth with salt water to help alleviate pain, but do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Call our office right away for prompt care.
  • Soft Tissue Injury: For injuries to the gums, tongue, or cheeks, rinse with salt water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling until you can see a dentist.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?

Call us immediately if you experience a dental emergency after our regular office hours. We have protocols to address urgent dental needs, and we’ll do our best to provide guidance or schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Can I go to the emergency room for dental pain?

While hospital emergency rooms can provide temporary relief for dental pain, they are not equipped to address the root cause of the issue. It’s best to seek emergency care from a dentist who can treat the problem directly.

What can I do to prevent dental emergencies?

To reduce the risk of dental emergencies, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens, and wear a mouthguard during sports or other activities that could cause injury to your teeth. Regular dental checkups at Espire Dental Erie also help catch potential issues before they turn into emergencies.

Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?

Yes! If left untreated, a broken or cracked tooth can lead to pain, infection, or further damage. Contact us immediately if you’ve broken a tooth, and we’ll schedule an emergency appointment to assess and treat the problem.

How can I manage pain while waiting for my emergency appointment?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort until your appointment. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily.

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Yes, but it’s important to act quickly. If you can get to our office within an hour of the injury, there’s a good chance we can re-implant the tooth. Be sure to handle the tooth carefully and keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva until you arrive.

Contact Espire Dental Erie for Immediate Dental Care

When a dental emergency strikes, you need prompt care you can trust. At Espire Dental Erie, we’re here to provide fast, effective treatment that gets you out of pain and back to smiling. Don’t wait—if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us today at (303) 828-9998 or schedule an emergency appointment online for immediate assistance.

The entire staff was so nice they made me feel welcomed. I went in for a check up and they made it very easy

Todd Diamond