Dental pain rarely gets better on its own. If something hurts, is bleeding or has broken, call first thing and tell us what happened. We will tell you what to do until you arrive and get you in as soon as we can.
Call (303) 766-8811. Outside office hours, the voicemail gives you the number to reach Dr. Wolbaum for true emergencies. If you have facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a jaw injury, go to the nearest emergency room first.
What we treat the same day
- Toothache and abscess, including same-day root canal when that is what it takes
- Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- Lost or broken crowns, fillings and veneers
- Knocked-out or loosened teeth
- Broken dentures and partials
- Soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks and gums
What to do while you wait
| Problem | Until you get here |
|---|---|
| Knocked-out tooth | Hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently, try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk. Come within the hour if you can. |
| Toothache | Rinse with warm salt water, floss to clear anything stuck, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never put aspirin on the gum. |
| Lost crown | Keep the crown. A dab of toothpaste or temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can hold it in place for a day. |
| Broken tooth | Rinse, save any pieces, and cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or wax. |
| Swelling | Cold compress on the outside of the face, 20 minutes on and 20 off. Swelling means infection, so do not wait until tomorrow. |
What happens at the visit
We take an X-ray, get you out of pain first, and then explain what the tooth needs. Sometimes that is a filling or a re-cemented crown that is done on the spot. Sometimes it is a root canal or an extraction, which we can usually start the same day. Either way you leave knowing the plan and the cost.
Common questions
I am not a patient here. Can you still see me?
Yes. Most of our emergency visits are new patients. Bring a photo ID and your insurance card if you have one.
What does an emergency visit cost?
The exam and X-ray are a set fee, and we quote any treatment before starting. Most insurance plans cover emergency exams, and CareCredit is accepted.
Do you treat children?
Yes. Chipped front teeth from playground falls are one of the most common emergencies we see.