Emergency Dentistry

Having A Dental Emergency in Colorado Springs, CO?

When suffering from a dental emergency, you can’t simply call 911 for help. Regardless of the severity of the emergency, there are a few things you can do

emergency dentist

on your own until you can get to James C. Calvin, DDS for professional help. The fist step you should take in a dental emergency is to contact us at James C. Calvin, DDS. You can reach us at (719) 633-2266.

If by chance you dislodge or knock out a tooth, rinse the tooth carefully, and try to place it gently back into the socket. If it isn’t possible to replace the tooth, put it in a container with milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt. However, the tooth will have the best chance of recovery if placed back into the socket within an hour of being dislodged. Visit James C. Calvin, DDS as soon as possible for further attention.

For dislodged crowns, contact your dentist immediately to set up an appointment. For temporary relief, slip the crown back over your tooth, and secure it with toothpaste or denture adhesive until you can see your dentist. All glues, specifically superglues, should never be used to repair a crown.

Handling Traumatic Injuries

For a traumatic injury to your mouth, such as chipped or broken teeth, you should first rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution.  To stop the bleeding, try applying pressure to the injured area with a moistened gauze pad or tea bag. Swelling and pain will almost always accompany these injuries and can be reduced with a cold compress. If you can’t stop the bleeding or the pain is too much to handle, go to your nearest emergency center immediately and call your emergency dentist.

What to Do For Abscesses And Toothaches

The pain associated with a toothache or abscess can be unbearable. If you can’t see your dentist right away, follow these steps to manage the pain:

  • Apply a cold compress to the affected area on the outside of your cheek.
  • Avoid placing an aspirin on the affected tooth. While many suggest this remedy for relief, the aspirin can actually burn your gums and thin your blood, worsening the situation. Instead, take acetaminophen as directed to help ease the pain. 
  • Try cleaning your mouth with a salt-water rinse and floss to remove food particles that may be agitating the affected area.
  • Be sure to visit your dentist as soon as you can for professional help.

Unfortunately, dental emergencies do occur when we least expect them. These simple tips can provide you much needed relief until you can seek treatment from your regular dental professional at James C. Calvin, DDS in Colorado Springs, CO.