Have you just lost a permanent tooth? Do you have sudden or severe tooth pain? At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we offer emergency dentistry for patients in Boulder, CO, and the surrounding areas. We help patients address many problems, from tooth pain to broken restorations and missing teeth.
If you have sustained dental injuries or damage from medical problems, please go to the emergency room first. We can address your dental problems after you receive medical care. Emergency dentistry is a general dentistry service that we offer to the public.
Emergency Dentistry in Boulder, CO
Do not hesitate to call a dental professional if you have an emergency. Dental emergencies that we treat in our office include:
Broken Tooth
Have you just broken or chipped a tooth? If the tooth has a sharp edge, place paraffin wax or sugarless gum on the area. You can also take a pain reliever at home before you visit our office. We can provide a dental filling, tooth bonding treatment, or a dental crown, depending on the extent of your tooth damage. The tooth’s location will also impact the type of treatment that is right for you.
Lost Permanent Tooth
If you have just knocked out a permanent tooth and can locate the tooth, rinse the tooth roots in cool water. You can try to place the tooth back in the socket and bite it down. If you cannot replace the tooth this way, transport it to our office in a cup or saliva. You may also keep the tooth on the side of the cheek to keep it moist. We may be able to replace the tooth if it is preserved. We also offer dental implants and implant-supported bridges and dentures for patients with one or more missing teeth.
Broken or Lost Dental Restoration
Please contact our office if you have just broken or lost a crown, filling, bridge, or denture. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth because you can damage your teeth or gums. We can create a new restoration for you.
Tooth Pain
There can be many causes of toothaches or tooth pain. A tooth abscess, tooth wear, gum disease, or dental injury can cause toothaches. If you have sudden or severe pain, please call our office. We can provide dental fillings, tooth crowns, and periodontal therapy for patients with toothaches. Our team will find the source of your pain and plan prompt treatment.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
If you have an object stuck between your teeth, gently floss to dislodge the object. Call our office if you cannot remove the object. Do not use other tools to remove the object because you can damage your teeth or injure your gums. We use specialized dental tools that can remove the object and prevent further pain or injuries.
When to Seek Immediate Emergency Care
- Some dental emergencies can’t wait. Call us right away if you experience:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from mouth injuries
- Swollen face or gums with fever (sign of serious infection)
- Trauma from accidents/sports injuries affecting teeth
- Visible pus near teeth or gums
We keep same-day appointments available for true emergencies. Our voicemail provides instructions for urgent cases as well. We’d rather you call than wait in pain.
Managing Pain Before Your Appointment
Dental pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing. While waiting for your emergency appointment, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort, but avoid placing aspirin directly on gums as this can cause burns.
A cold compress applied to the outside of your cheek may reduce swelling for injuries or abscesses. We advise against using numbing gels or home remedies as these sometimes mask important symptoms we need to evaluate.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
When you arrive for emergency treatment, we’ll first assess your pain level and overall condition. We may take digital X-rays to see damage beneath the surface that isn’t visible to the eye. For infections, we might prescribe antibiotics before performing certain procedures. Most emergency treatments focus first on relieving pain and stabilizing the problem, with follow-up visits scheduled for more comprehensive repairs.
Our team explains each step as we go, so you understand your treatment options and can make informed decisions about your care. We prioritize both your immediate comfort and long-term dental health in every emergency situation.
Contact Our Office
Do you have a dental emergency? Call 720-881-0614. If you do not have a dental emergency but require dental care, schedule your next dental appointment on our website. Please contact us if you are unsure if you have a dental emergency or have a dental problem.