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Dental emergencies are like surprise houseguests — they always show up at the worst possible moment. Friday at 4:55 pm. Saturday morning before your kid’s soccer tournament. Two days before vacation. Right in the middle of that one bite of popcorn you swore you’d be careful with.
Here’s the good news: at Christiansen Dental, we keep room in our schedule for same-day emergency dental appointments in Centennial. If you’re in pain, bleeding, or staring at a piece of your own tooth in the palm of your hand, call us right away at (303)790-9323. We’ll do everything we can to get you in today.
Symptoms That Require Same-Day Care
Call a dentist immediately if you have any of the following:
• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A cracked, broken, or fractured tooth that hurts or exposes the inside of the tooth
• Severe tooth pain that wakes you at night or throbs at rest
• Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw
• An abscess — a pimple-like bump on the gum, sometimes draining
• A lost crown or filling that leaves a tooth exposed and painful
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth after an injury or extraction
For trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or signs of a spreading infection (chills, high fever), go to an emergency room first.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, every minute counts. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part) — not the root. Gently rinse off any dirt without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket. If not, tuck it in your cheek or drop it in a small container of milk to keep it moist on the way to our office.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Rinse with warmwater, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on that side. If you can find any tooth fragments, bring them with you.
Severe Toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the painful tooth — sometimes food is the troublemaker. Over-the-counter pain relievers can take the edge off, but never put aspirin directly on the gum (it can burn the tissue).
Lost Filling or Crown
Save the crown if you can find it. Dental cement from the drugstore can be a temporary fix, but plan to come in soon — an exposed tooth is vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER or an emergency dentist?
For tooth-specific issues — repair, replacement, infection limited to the tooth — an emergency dentist is faster and far less expensive. Use the ER for facial trauma, suspected jaw fracture, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a spreading infection.
Can a dental infection wait until Monday?
Generally, no. Dental infections can spread to the surrounding bone, sinuses, and bloodstream. Same-day evaluation is the right call.
Will my insurance cover an emergency visit?
Most dental insurance plans cover an emergency exam and a portion of any treatment. We verify your benefits and walk you through the cost before any work begins.
What if my emergency happens after hours?
Leave us a message with your name, callback number, and a quick description of what’s going on. Call again first thing in the morning. For severe pain or swelling overnight, urgent care can help with pain medication and antibiotics — we’ll handle the rest the next day.
Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Centennial, CO
If you are in pain, bleeding, or staring at a piece of your own tooth, call Christiansen Dental at (303) 790-9323. We keep room in the daily schedule for emergencies and will get you in as quickly as possible.
About the Authors
Christiansen Dental is a family-owned dental practice in Centennial, CO, led by Drs. Bart and James Christiansen. Bart (older, better looking) has been practicing since 1988, and James (younger, in better shape) since 2009. We offer general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family in a comfortable, friendly office — with a little humor thrown in for good measure.
