Emergency Dental Service In Boulder CO

PEARL STREET DENTAL

Book An Appointment

Emergency Care For Urgent Dental Problems

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it, a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury that just can't wait. When that moment comes, you need an emergency dentist near you who can act fast. At Pearl Street Dental, Dr. Mark Moynier and our caring team are here to provide prompt, compassionate dental care when you need it most.

We know how uncomfortable and worrisome a dental emergency can be. At Pearl Street Dental, our goal is to accurately diagnose the problem, treat the problem, and stop the pain, so we can jumpstart the healing process. Dental emergencies offer us the chance to serve our patients at the highest level and we always do our very best to get you in as quickly as possible.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call

303.443.3771

Examples of Dental Emergencies

There are two different types of dental emergencies – life-threatening and non-life-threatening. If you have an urgent, but non-life-threatening dental concern, it’s important to give us a call as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common examples of non-life-threatening dental emergencies.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by trauma or decay. Depending on the severity, a dental professional may need to repair the tooth with a crown, bonding, or other treatments.

Lost Tooth

A lost tooth can occur due to trauma or infection. If you have the tooth, it should be placed in a cup of milk and brought to the dentist. If it cannot be reattached, you may need to replace it with an implant or bridge.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can be painful and cause sensitivity to hot and cold. It is important to replace a lost filling or crown as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth.

Toothache or Mouth Pain

Tooth and mouth pain are some of the most common dental emergencies, usually usually caused by a cavity or infection. The pain can range from a mild ache to severe, stabbing pain and can be accompanied by swelling and fever.

Minor Soft Tissue Injury 

Some dental emergencies don’t involve the teeth at all. Soft tissue injuries are one such example. These include trauma to the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue. If it’s a minor injury, contact your dentist and use a cold compress to control bleeding and swelling.

Tooth Abscesses

A tooth abscess is a painful infection that forms around a tooth root or gums, often from decay, cracks, or gum disease. It can cause swelling, throbbing pain, sensitivity, fever, and needs prompt dental treatment fast.

Dental vs. Medical Emergency

Although most dental emergencies can be handled by a dentist, there are some instances where your dental emergency may be critical enough that you should seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room. The following are considered to be potentially life-threatening dental emergencies. 

Severe Bleeding

If you have severe, uncontrollable bleeding in or around your mouth, it’s important to have someone take you to the emergency room as quickly as possible. Minor bleeding that is caused by trauma or a lost tooth is not an automatic cause for going to the emergency room as long as it is not excessive and can be controlled. 

Swelling Caused by a Spreading Dental Infection

Dental infections around the teeth and gums are somewhat common. But, if you have an infection that is accompanied by severe swelling that is spreading and could interfere with breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. 

What Should I Do With Knocked-Out Teeth?

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies, but quick action can sometimes save it. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, follow these steps right away:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown, the chewing surface, and avoid touching the root.
  • Gently rinse it with water if it's dirty, but don't scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
  • Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible, holding it gently in place.
  • If you can't reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in a container of milk or saliva.

Emergency Dentistry - Frequently Asked Questions

Severe toothaches, knocked-out or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, swelling, and bleeding that won't stop are all considered dental emergencies. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, call Pearl Street Dental and our team will help you assess the urgency and the best next step. Untreated infections in particular can spread quickly, so it's better to call sooner rather than later.
Yes, Pearl Street Dental reserves time in our daily schedule for urgent issues, and we make every effort to see emergency patients the same day they call. If you reach us after hours, leave a message and we'll return your call as quickly as possible with guidance. For life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling spreading to the eye or neck, go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root, and gently rinse it with milk or saline if it's dirty. If possible, place it back in the socket; otherwise, keep it in milk or saliva and head to our Boulder office immediately. A tooth has the best chance of being saved if it's reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Boulder?

Dental emergencies can range from mild to severe and require urgent attention. Unaddressed dental emergencies can lead to serious complications and even permanent damage to teeth. If you live in the Boulder area and are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Pearl Street Dental and we’ll make every effort to get you in as quickly as possible.

Call (303) 443-3771

Patient Testimonials

The best way to get to know our practice is through the experiences of those we've served. We're proud of the kind reviews our patients share, and we'd be honored to earn yours. We invite you to read our reviews online and see why so many Boulder families trust Pearl Street Dental with their smiles.