Emergency Dentist – Lakewood, CO
Timely, Stress-Free Care for Hurting Smiles
If you’re suddenly faced with a broken or hurting tooth, the last thing you want to do is waste time sitting nervously in the ER waiting room. Instead, you deserve timely, stress-free care for your dental emergency, and Dr. Tavi Henry, our trusted emergency dentist in Lakewood, CO, can do just that. With his gentle touch and laid-back nature, he’ll make it easy to get the smile-saving care you need. Call our team today and we’ll do everything we can to help!
Why Choose Dedicated Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Dental Appointments for Emergencies
- Pillows, Blankets, & Nitrous Oxide Sedation Offered for Comfort
- Friendly, Caring Dentist & Experienced Team
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Every dental emergency is different, but these are the steps we generally take to remedy the situation:
- Once we have you on the phone, we’ll determine how quickly you need to visit our dental office and schedule your appointment from there. We can also give you advice for minimizing your discomfort and protecting your smile in the meantime.
- When you arrive, Dr. Henry will alleviate any immediate pain and perform a complete examination of your teeth and gums, which will likely involve taking digital X-rays. His goal is to pinpoint the source of the problem and the extent of the damage that has already occurred.
- Based on his findings, Dr. Henry will recommend a course of treatment to get your smile back on track. In addition to explaining why a certain procedure might be necessary, our team will also review an estimated timeline and cost of your treatment.
- After we’ve agreed on what to do next, we’ll get to work right away on restoring your smile’s health.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
No matter your dental problem, we encourage you to call us as soon as you can. Delaying necessary care could cause the issue to worsen over time. Below, you’ll find some examples of the most common dental emergencies as well as tips for handling the situation until you reach our dental office.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
While you may need urgent dental care, perhaps you worry about its price. Fair enough - you don't want to replace an oral issue with a financial one. That said, the cost of emergency dentistry in Lakewood varies by patient. You'll need to consult Dr. Henry for a more precise estimate. From there, we'll make your treatment(s) more affordable. Our team can even outline the role of insurance and payment options. For further details, just keep reading or call our office!
Every Dental Emergency is Different
To be honest, an urgent dental visit won't cost you too much. Its price only covers your oral exam, a diagnosis, and a list of treatment options. Really, most of the expense comes from later procedures. That means you should see us in person for an exact cost estimate.
Given your needs, we’ll suggest one (or more) of our emergency services. Said services will strongly impact the final treatment cost. In particular, our recommended procedure(s) may include:
- Root Canal Therapy
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Tooth Extraction
- Dental Crowns
- TMJ Treatment
Whatever you need, you can rest assured in our work. We’ll walk you through our findings, the recommended treatment plan, and the estimated costs beforehand. That way, you’ll know what to expect from any upcoming procedures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Yes, actually, dental insurance usually covers dental emergencies. Many plans even offer full coverage for a yearly emergency exam. Similarly, standard urgent care services tend to receive partial coverage from 50-80%.
Of course, keep in mind that every plan is different. Your own dental policy may have different rules or features. Plus, yearly maximums play a role in its coverage. You should thus confirm your benefits before deciding anything. If you'd like, our team can even help you do so.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Even if you lack insurance, you needn’t worry. Other ways exist for making urgent dental care affordable. To that end, you could consider a practice’s payment options. The right one would make your emergency more budget-friendly.
For example, look at our own Dedicated Dentistry. We partner with CareCredit – a reputable, third-party financier. By relying on them, you could pay for your emergency in monthly installments. You’d then get to cover your treatment costs over time.
Taking Care of Your Smile Saves You Money
A few dental emergencies are just accidents – a misstep here, a collision there, etc. Even so, most stem from dental damage and infections. It's thus a good idea to invest in dental checkups and oral hygiene. You'll potentially save thousands of dollars in the long run.
At the same time, quick care for your dental emergency is also cheaper than delaying treatment. Putting off your problem will just make it worse. In that case, you'll end up needing a more expensive fix. ( For instance, a root canal now will save your tooth and avoid a later extraction.) Treating your oral sooner means you'll spend less on future dental care.
Ultimately, Dedicated Dentistry wants your urgent dental care to fit your budget. So, book a visit to our office and learn how to finance your treatment!
nt options. For further details, just keep reading or call our office!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
By avoiding dental emergencies in the first place, you can save yourself a whole lot of time, money, and hassle. Of course, you can’t prevent every single dental problem, but you can dramatically lower your risk by sticking to a few good habits to protect the health of your teeth and prevent dental injuries. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind to keep your smile safe and healthy, but feel free to contact our office in Lakewood if you have any questions.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone has at least two routine dental exams and cleanings every year. This will allow a dental professional to monitor the state of your oral health, correct any issues in their early stages, and advise you on better hygiene practices. Visiting our Lakewood office regularly can prevent dental emergencies and save you from the pain and expense that they entail.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to remove harmful food residue and oral bacteria. Finishing this daily routine by rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash will inhibit the growth of new harmful bacteria and leave your breath smelling fresh and minty.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Smart eating habits are great for your teeth and the rest of your body. Fibrous foods like raw fruits and veggies can harmlessly scrape your teeth clean during the chewing process, and protein-rich foods like fresh meat can give you the nutrients you need for healthy gums. On the other hand, sugary foods and beverages can feed harmful oral bacteria and acidic items like soda, juice, and alcohol can erode your enamel on contact.
Wear a Mouthguard
Sports are a great way to have fun and get exercise, but they carry a risk of dental injuries. When you enjoy your favorite sport or ride your bike, wear a mouthguard to cushion your teeth against damage. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to bed for protection. Our office offers customized mouthguards and nightguards that deliver superior protection.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Using your teeth to chew on found objects, untie knots, or open packages or bottles are all great ways to cause painful dental injuries like cracks, chips, and fractures. Never chew on non-food items like ice, paperclips, or writing utensils, and remember to use tools such as box cutters or bottle openers rather than your teeth.
Dental Emergency FAQs
No one ever expects to need an emergency dentist in Lakewood, but it's more common than you might realize. Don't worry, Dr. Henry is here to make a stressful day easier. He will address your pain and ease your concerns during your consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How should I sleep with dental pain?
You don't have to toss and turn all night if you have a toothache. Avoid anything hot, cold, or crunchy before going to bed to prevent sensitivity or discomfort. Eat softer foods for dinner and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Sleep with your pillow elevated, which prevents the blood from pooling in your head to keep throbbing discomfort at bay. Take an OTC pain reliever and apply a cold compress to keep you comfortable, so you can get a good night’s rest.
Will a toothache go away without treatment?
Pain originating from the gum tissue can go away with no treatment, but it's unlikely a toothache will resolve on its own. Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn't normal. It's a symptom of an untreated dental problem, like decay or an infection. The issue and your pain will continue to progress if you don’t see a dentist. If your pain suddenly subsides, it can indicate your tooth has died and will need to be removed. Don't ignore any dental pain. Contact our office to have the source of your discomfort treated.
Do chipped teeth heal?
Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can't regenerate. Once it is gone, it's gone for good. No matter how insignificant the damage, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency in Lakewood, and you will need to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Your tooth’s defense system will be weakened, leaving it vulnerable to decay, infections, and additional damage. Don't let a minor issue turn into a big problem by waiting too long to see your dentist.
Do I need to see a dentist if a chipped tooth doesn’t hurt?
Chipped teeth don't always hurt, but that doesn't mean you can skip seeing a dentist. It's more than an aesthetic issue. You can be at risk of losing your tooth without prompt treatment. Minor chips are often repaired with bonding or veneers, but more significant damage may require a crown. After examining your mouth, your dentist will recommend a treatment to restore the health and appearance of your tooth.
Can I fix a broken denture with superglue?
Nothing can ruin your day quicker than a broken denture, but don't use superglue to fix it. Although it's handy for minor repairs around the house, it's not intended for oral use. As a result, it may contain toxic chemicals or cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it doesn't last long in moist environments, like your mouth. It's better to leave the mending to professionals. We know you can't go without any teeth. We will get you into the office quickly to make the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your beautiful smile. In the meantime, use an old denture if possible.
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