Dental Emergency Fort Collins, CO

Dental emergencies can be upsetting, painful, and usually happen at the most inconvenient times. At the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS in Fort Collins, CO, we are here to provide the urgent relief and treatment you need when you need it.

Emergency Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO

When you have a dental emergency, calling Dr. Ryan first alerts us that there’s a problem that needs our attention. We want to know what’s happening with your oral health, and calling us also helps put your mind at ease.

Our experienced team will take your information and ask what happened and what your symptoms are. They will schedule you for a same-day emergency appointment if necessary or book you for our next opening.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

• Toothache
• Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Broken or lost crowns and fillings
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Dental infection or abscess
• Dental trauma

If you have one or more of these symptoms, our emergency dentist in Fort Collins wants to help you. We also see patients from Loveland, Laporte, Timnath, Wellington, Red Feather, Cheyenne WY, and surrounding areas.

Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies

Jaw pain or swelling – This is an urgent dental emergency that we need to address as soon as possible. Call us first so we can tell you what steps to take next.

Toothache – Take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and use a cold compress placed on your cheek for relief.

Lost dental crown – If your crown comes off, try to place it back on the tooth but don’t force it. Otherwise, place the crown in a plastic bag or wrapped in tissue and bring it to your appointment.

Dental trauma – We need to treat a knocked-out tooth within two hours or less, or we probably won’t be able to save it. Handle the tooth by the crown only. Keep the tooth’s root moist by placing it in a cup of milk or saliva. Call us so we can prepare for your arrival.

Some dental emergencies, like a tooth knocked out during sports, are beyond our control. However, there are still steps you can take to avoid them and others like toothaches and root infections.

Schedule Routine Exams and Teeth Cleanings

Preventive exams and teeth cleanings should take place every six months or as recommended. We’ll look for signs of cavities and gum disease and treat them before they cause pain. Our Fort Collins family dentist also checks your dental work to ensure it’s in good shape.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

What you do between visits is crucial to maintaining a problem-free smile! Brush twice a day and floss once to eliminate plaque buildup that leads to cavities and gum disease.

Wear a Sports Mouthguard

It’s estimated that up to 39 percent of dental injuries are sports-related, and nearly 80 percent of those involve at least one front tooth! Our custom sports mouthguards fit more comfortably and offer greater protection than store-bought varieties.

Avoid Hard, Crunchy, and Gummy Foods

If you have dental work like crowns, bridges, fillings, or veneers, consider cutting out foods that can chip or break them or pull them out altogether. Some examples are crusty bread and chips, popcorn, hard candy, and gummy candy.

Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools

Your teeth are meant for one thing, and it’s not opening packages! Teeth are strong but can easily chip, crack, or break with the wrong kind of force. Worse yet, you can damage soft tissues like lips and gums if you slip.

Call Us with Your Dental Emergency 

We know how painful and upsetting even the most minor dental emergency can be, and we never want you to worry or wonder what to do next. Call our Fort Collins dental office so we can arrange to see you as soon as possible.