Dental emergencies always seem to strike at the worst possible time, whether your child has cracked a tooth right before school photo day or you’ve woken up with severe mouth pain in the days leading up to a much-anticipated vacation. At J.B. Dental, we understand how difficult and frightening these situations can be for busy patients, and our team wants to help. That’s why Dr. Bancroft makes time for dedicated emergency care here in Westminster, CO as soon as possible. She will diagnose your condition, relieve any severe discomfort, and start working with you towards the right restorative solution so that your smile regains its happy glow in record time. Contact us today!
When faced with a worrisome dental emergency, being able to trust in an experienced and compassionate dentist for support can make a world of difference. Dr. Bancroft has over 15 years of experience in the field, and she regularly pursues continuing education so that her skills are as modern and up-to-date as possible. Not only does she work hard to accommodate patients as soon as possible in her schedule, but she’ll also collaborate closely with them so that they clearly understand their treatment options and how they can regain strong, complete teeth successfully, even after severe injury.
Get Answers to your Dental Emergency Questions
A sudden, shocking blow to the face can result in damaged teeth, partially dislodged teeth, or even teeth that have been completely knocked clean from the mouth. In these situations, contacting J.B. Dental as soon as possible is crucial. Dr. Bancroft offers several services that are designed to revitalize and replenish hurting teeth, including dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, and root canal therapy. If the tooth is entirely lost, she can also provide state-of-the-art replacement with dental implants!
The development of tooth decay and gum disease are gradual processes, and patients may not realize that they’re in danger until they start experiencing severe oral pain and sensitivity. If a bad “toothache” is wreaking havoc on your busy schedule, don’t hesitate to contact our Westminster office for assistance. We will assess the infection and recommend treatment as needed, whether the tooth can still be successfully saved with root canal therapy or must be extracted and replaced for the patient’s safety.
Many patients fear hearing the words “root canal” in the dentist’s office, but our team is here to reassure you that there’s nothing to worry about. In fact, this procedure can be your smile’s saving grace! During root canal therapy, Dr. Bancroft will carefully access the inner pulp of the infected tooth and remove dangerous bacteria before covering the treated structure with a customized dental crown for long-term protection. Today’s state-of-the-art tools and comfort techniques have helped make root canals very simple, and most treated teeth are able to stay safe in your natural smile for many more years.
Extraction is never a service that our team will recommend lightly – preserving and protecting natural teeth is virtually always the best course of action. However, there are circumstances where removing one or more teeth may be what’s best for the patient’s health and wellbeing, such as:
Dr. Bancroft will address every unique extraction case from a personalized angle, taking the time to ensure the patient feels comfortable and safe throughout the treatment process.
The sooner, the better. Receiving prompt care is especially important if one of your teeth got knocked out; if you get help within an hour or so, it might be possible for your emergency dentist to splint it back in place. In other situations, such as if you lost a filling, you may be able to practice self-care for a day or two before you visit your dentist.
Some people find it beneficial to apply a topical pain reliever, like Anbesol gel, to the gums around a hurting tooth. You can also take over the counter pain medications and use ice to mitigate any swelling. However, bear in mind that even if you can keep your pain level tolerable via your own efforts, you still need to see a dentist who can address the cause of your discomfort.
Some people struggle with dental anxiety, so they delay seeking treatment even when they are in pain. Rest assured that emergency dental treatments, such as tooth extractions and root canal therapy, are typically quite comfortable for patients. Your dentist may use both local anesthetic and sedation to help you breeze through your procedure.
If you are out of town or for some other reason cannot get in touch with your regular dentist, the steps you should take depend on the specifics of your situation. You may choose to wait until you get home to see your regular dentist if the issue is relatively minor. In more urgent situations, such as if you have a dental abscess or a tooth gets knocked out, it may be best to contact a different dentist and follow up with your regular dentist later.
Try to find the filling or crown and put it back in place using temporary dental cement from a local pharmacy. That should give the tooth some protection until your emergency dental appointment.
It’s true that baby teeth fall out eventually anyway, but if one gets knocked out, a dentist needs to evaluate the situation.
Sensitivity might not seem like a big deal, but it can point to serious issues, such as advanced gum recession or an infection. A dentist should help you identify the cause of the sensitivity.
You may be able to use dental floss to dislodge the object. Don’t use anything sharp (like the tip of a knife) to try to pry it out because you could inadvertently damage your teeth or gums. Your dentist can help you get the item out.
These issues are signs of an infection within a tooth’s pulp (its innermost layer) or of a traumatic tooth injury. Root canal therapy can clean out the infection or remove the damaged area, leading to pain relief and a reduced risk of further dental problems.
