When a sudden toothache or dental injury interrupts your day, you need help fast. Emergency dental problems can be painful, stressful, and confusing. Some issues can wait a short time, while others need same-day care. Suncreek Dental Group offers emergency dentistry in Littleton to help you get relief, protect your smile, and prevent problems from getting worse.
This page covers the most common dental emergencies, what to do at home, how we treat them, and when you should seek immediate help.
Dental Emergencies We Treat
Dental emergencies come in many forms. Some cause sharp pain. Others cause swelling or bleeding. Even a small injury can become a bigger problem if it is ignored. Here are the issues we commonly treat for patients who need an emergency dentist in Littleton.
- Toothaches
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Lost crowns
- Lost fillings
- Broken or loose dental work
- Bleeding gums
- Food stuck between teeth
- Infected teeth
- Abscesses
- Knocked out teeth
- Broken wires or braces issues
- Canker sores or cold sores
If you are going through any of these problems, call our office right away. A team member will talk with you, explain your next steps, and let you know if you should come in immediately.
If you are experiencing facial trauma, severe bleeding, or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can help reduce pain and protect your teeth. Below are the most common dental emergencies and simple steps you can take until you can be seen.
Toothache
A toothache can start as a dull ache or sharp throbbing pain. Sometimes it happens suddenly. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to loosen food particles. If you notice swelling, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help you feel better until your visit.
A toothache can be caused by a cavity, infection, cracked tooth, abscess, or even an impacted wisdom tooth. Some toothaches require emergency tooth extraction. Others can be treated with a filling or root canal. Severe pain should never be ignored because infections can spread.
Cut Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Soft tissue cuts happen easily, especially during sports or accidental bites. If the cut is bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze against it. Keep pressure on the area until the bleeding slows. If the cut is large or the bleeding does not stop, contact an emergency room.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Place a cold compress against your face to reduce swelling. If you can find broken tooth fragments, place them in milk or water and bring them with you. Even small chips can expose deeper layers of the tooth, which may lead to sensitivity or infection if not treated.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. There is only a short two-hour window for a chance at saving the tooth. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water. Do not remove any attached tissues. Try to place it back into the socket and hold it with clean gauze.
If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk or water and bring it with you. Stopping bleeding should be your first step. Call us immediately so we can prepare for your arrival.
Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can start with swelling, pain, heat, or pressure in one area. Your dentist may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to help clear the infection. These must be taken exactly as directed. A follow-up appointment may be needed to make sure the infection has healed.
If the infection reaches the inside of the tooth, a root canal or extraction may be recommended to prevent the infection from spreading.
Broken Wires or Braces
Brace emergencies can be uncomfortable. If a wire breaks or sticks out and pokes your cheek or tongue, try gently pushing it to a safe spot. If that does not work, place cotton over the wire. Do not cut the wire because it can be swallowed. Call for an urgent orthodontic visit.
Cold Sores, Canker Sores, and Abscesses
Cold and canker sores can cause irritation. Over-the-counter medicine may help with temporary relief.
An abscess is a serious infection at the root or gumline. You may see swelling or feel a pulsing pain. If the infection is left alone, it can spread to other parts of the body. Call for emergency dental treatment as soon as you notice signs of infection.
Urgent Dental Treatment Options
Emergency dental care depends on the cause of your pain or injury. Here are the treatments commonly offered during an emergency visit.
- Tooth fillings
- Replacing lost crowns or fillings
- Periodontal treatment
- Emergency root canals
- Emergency tooth extraction
- Treatment for dental trauma
- Care for children with dental injuries
Children can become scared when a tooth hurts or breaks. Sudden pain can wake them in the night. We provide gentle care to help them feel safe and calm while we treat their emergency.
Why Fast Care Matters
Waiting too long can make a small problem much worse. A cracked tooth can turn into an infection. A lost filling can lead to decay. A knocked-out tooth can be lost forever if not treated quickly.
- Getting care as soon as possible helps you:
- Stop pain
- Protect the tooth
- Prevent infections
- Reduce swelling
- Lower the chance of needing more complex treatment later
Emergency dentistry is designed to stop the problem early so it does not develop into something bigger.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While some emergencies cannot be avoided, many come from problems that build up over time. Routine dental exams and cleanings help catch decay, cracks, and infection before they cause pain. Regular visits also reduce the risk of abscesses, gum problems, and sudden discomfort.
Sports mouthguards, careful brushing, and not biting hard objects can also reduce your risk of injury. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard may help protect your smile.
Same Day Emergency Dentistry in Littleton
If you are dealing with sudden pain, swelling, bleeding, or tooth damage, our team will do everything possible to see you the same day. Dental emergencies are stressful, but you do not have to go through them alone. Quick care can bring fast relief and prevent bigger problems.
Call (303) 933-2522 for emergency dental care in Littleton. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, give us a call. We can guide you and help you decide your next steps.
For all dental emergencies, contact us or visit our dental office today.