Dental pain can make it hard to think clearly, eat comfortably, sleep, work, or focus on anything else. If you have a severe toothache, a broken tooth, swelling, a lost filling, a damaged crown, or a knocked-out tooth, fast dental care may help relieve pain and may also improve the chance of saving your tooth.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide emergency dental care in Fort Collins, Colorado for patients who need prompt attention. Our team works to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible, so you can get answers, pain relief, and treatment without unnecessary delay.
In pain? Call now. 970-484-4890
Same-Day Emergency Dental Care When Possible
When something feels wrong, waiting can make the problem worse. A toothache may be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum irritation, or trauma. A broken tooth may expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth. A knocked-out tooth needs urgent attention.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner our team can help you understand what to do next. We will work to schedule you as quickly as possible and provide guidance until you arrive.
Need help today? Call 970-484-4890.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can happen suddenly, but they can also develop from symptoms that have been getting worse over time. If you are in pain, notice swelling, or are worried about damage to a tooth or restoration, it is best to call.
Our dentists can help with dental emergencies such as:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Dental swelling or signs of infection
- Cracked, fractured, chipped, or broken teeth
- Partially or fully knocked-out teeth
- Lost or damaged dental fillings
- Loose, broken, or missing dental crowns
- Dental injuries from accidents or trauma
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Damage to the tongue, cheeks, lips, or gums

If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, call us. Our team can help you decide whether you should be seen right away.
Emergency Tooth Pain Relief in Fort Collins, Colorado
Tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients need emergency dental care. Pain may feel sharp, throbbing, constant, or triggered by biting, pressure, hot foods, cold drinks, or sweets.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention. Depending on the cause, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson may recommend treatment to remove infection, repair damage, protect the tooth, or relieve pressure.
Emergency dental care may help address:
- Deep decay or cavities
- Dental abscesses or infection
- Cracked tooth symptoms
- Broken or worn dental work
- Inflamed gum tissue around a tooth
- Tooth injuries from trauma
Do not wait it out. Call 970-484-4890.
Can an Emergency Dentist Help Save a Tooth?
In many cases, fast treatment can make a meaningful difference. A tooth that is cracked, infected, loose, or knocked out may have a better chance of being saved when care is not delayed.
If a tooth is damaged, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will evaluate the tooth, surrounding gums, bite, and supporting bone. The goal is to relieve pain, stop the problem from progressing, and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Depending on your needs, emergency treatment may involve a dental filling, dental crown, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or another restorative solution.
If the tooth cannot be saved, our team can discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures.
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
The most important step is to call our office as soon as possible. We can help you determine how quickly you should be seen and what steps to take before your visit.
Until you arrive:
- Keep the area as clean as possible
- Avoid chewing on the injured or painful side
- Use a cold compress for swelling or trauma
- Save any broken tooth pieces or lost dental work
- If a tooth is knocked out, avoid touching the root and call immediately
If you have experienced trauma to the head or neck, go to the emergency room or contact your physician first, even if your teeth or mouth are also injured.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?
When you are in pain, you need a dental team that responds quickly, explains what is happening, and helps you feel cared for. At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, we focus on relieving discomfort, identifying the cause of the problem, and helping protect your long-term oral health.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson bring advanced training and extensive clinical experience to urgent dental situations. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt completed a general practice residency at Lakeside VA Hospital in Chicago after earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Raechel Nelson completed a hospital-based general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital after earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dental Medicine.
This background helps our dentists care for patients with a wide range of dental needs, including urgent concerns, medically complex situations, restorative needs, and pain-related dental problems.
Our team also understands that dental emergencies can feel stressful. We will explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Emergency Dental Treatments We May Recommend
Emergency dental treatment depends on the cause of your pain or injury. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will evaluate your tooth and recommend care based on what is needed to relieve discomfort and protect your smile.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling may be recommended when a cavity, small fracture, or damaged filling is causing pain or sensitivity. Tooth-colored fillings can help restore the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown may be needed for a tooth that is cracked, broken, weakened, or heavily damaged. Crowns help protect the remaining tooth structure while restoring chewing function and appearance.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy may be recommended when infection or inflammation affects the inside of the tooth. This treatment can relieve pain and may help save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be removed.
Tooth Extractions
If a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved, a tooth extraction may be the safest option. Our team will discuss replacement options when appropriate so you can restore function and confidence.
Repairing Lost or Broken Restorations
Lost fillings, loose crowns, or broken dental work can expose the tooth to sensitivity, decay, and further damage. Prompt care can help protect the tooth and restore comfort.
Let’s get you comfortable. Call 970-484-4890.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care
Can I get a same-day emergency dental appointment?
Our team works to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible. Call 970-484-4890 as soon as you notice pain, swelling, or damage so we can help you quickly.
Should I call for a toothache?
Yes. A toothache can be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum problems, or other concerns. Dental pain should not be ignored, especially if it is severe, persistent, or getting worse.
Can an emergency dentist save a knocked-out tooth?
A knocked-out tooth needs immediate attention. The faster you call and get care, the better the chance may be of saving the tooth. Avoid touching the root and contact our office right away.
What should I do if I break a tooth?
Call our office promptly. Avoid chewing on that side, save any broken pieces if possible, and keep the area clean. A broken tooth may need a filling, crown, root canal therapy, or another treatment.
Is swelling a dental emergency?
Swelling can be a sign of infection and should be taken seriously. Call our office right away. If swelling affects breathing, swallowing, or spreads into the face or neck, seek emergency medical care.
What if my crown or filling falls out?
A lost filling or crown can leave the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, or further damage. Call us so Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson can evaluate the tooth and recommend the right repair.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?
Go to the emergency room for head or neck trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or serious facial injury. For tooth pain, broken teeth, lost restorations, or dental infections, call our office.
Call for Emergency Dental Care in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you are in pain or worried about a dental problem, do not wait. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt, Dr. Raechel Nelson, and our team are here to help you get answers, relieve discomfort, and protect your smile.
Call now for help. 970-484-4890