Same-Day Help for Tooth Pain, Broken Teeth and Dental Emergencies
Dental pain can make it hard to eat, 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, Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry can help you understand what to do next.
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, relieve discomfort and protect your oral health without unnecessary delay.
In pain? Call now. 970-484-4890
Whether your dental emergency involves tooth pain, trauma, a cracked tooth, a loose crown, swelling or a painful bite, our team will evaluate the problem, explain your options clearly and help you move forward with care that fits your situation.
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, bite pressure 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
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Dental injuries from accidents or trauma
- 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 repair damage, protect the tooth, relieve pressure or address infection.
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
- Loose crowns or lost fillings
Do not wait it out. Call 970-484-4890 for help with tooth pain in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Broken, Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A broken, cracked or chipped tooth should be evaluated as soon as possible. Even when the damage looks small, a crack or fracture can expose sensitive tooth structure, affect your bite or allow bacteria to enter the tooth.
Depending on the extent of the damage, our team may recommend a dental filling, dental crown or another restorative option to help protect the tooth and restore comfort. If specialty treatment is needed, we will explain the next step and coordinate care appropriately.
Lost Fillings, Loose Crowns and Broken Dental Work
A lost filling, loose crown or broken restoration can leave a tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay and further damage. It can also make it uncomfortable to chew or speak normally.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson can evaluate the affected tooth and restoration to determine whether the area can be repaired, adjusted or replaced. If your crown, filling, bridge, denture or implant crown feels loose or damaged, call us before the problem becomes more painful or more complex.
Dental Swelling or Signs of Infection
Swelling, gum tenderness, pressure, a bad taste, drainage or severe tooth pain may be signs of infection. Dental infections should be taken seriously because they can worsen without treatment.
If swelling affects your breathing, swallowing or spreads into the face or neck, seek emergency medical care right away. For tooth pain, gum swelling or suspected dental infection, call our office so we can help determine how quickly you should be seen.
Knocked-Out or Injured Tooth
A knocked-out tooth needs immediate attention. If an adult tooth is knocked out, avoid touching the root. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket or keep it moist in milk, then call our office right away.
Fast action may improve the chance of saving the tooth. If the injury also involves head trauma, neck trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or serious facial injury, go to the emergency room or contact your physician first.
Children’s Dental Emergencies
Children can experience dental emergencies from falls, sports injuries, toothaches, swelling, broken teeth or damaged restorations. Dr. Raechel Nelson sees many young families and children, and our team will help parents understand how quickly a child should be seen.
If your child has dental pain, swelling, a broken tooth or an injury to the mouth, call 970-484-4890. We will help you determine the next step and work to schedule care as quickly as possible when an emergency visit is appropriate.
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 structures. 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, tooth extraction, repair of broken dental work or referral for specialty care when appropriate.
If a tooth cannot be saved, our team can discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implant restorations, 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
- Do not ignore swelling, severe pain or symptoms that are getting worse
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 has practiced dentistry since 1997 and has completed approximately 1,250 tooth extractions, 1,500 dental crowns and 10,000 restorative cases. He also completed a general practice residency through Northwestern University and Lakeside VA Hospital, where he gained experience in anesthesia, geriatrics, oncology, surgery and care for medically complex patients.
Dr. Raechel Nelson has practiced dentistry since 2009 and has completed more than 500 tooth extractions, approximately 1,500 dental crowns and 10,000 restorative cases. She completed a general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital and has experience in general dentistry, geriatric care, selected prosthodontic care and pediatric care.
Both doctors are members of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Larimer County Dental Society and Colorado Prosthodontic Society. Their background helps our dentists care for patients with urgent concerns, restorative needs, medically complex situations and pain-related dental problems.
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 remaining tooth structure while restoring chewing function and appearance.
Tooth Extractions
If a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved, a tooth extraction may be the safest option. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt performs more complex extractions, while both doctors can evaluate urgent tooth concerns and explain your options.
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.
Specialty Referrals When Needed
Some emergency dental concerns require specialty care. If root canal therapy, implant placement or another referral-based treatment is needed, our team will explain the situation clearly and help guide you to the appropriate next step.
Let’s get you comfortable. Call 970-484-4890.
A Calm, Low-Pressure Approach When You Are in Pain
Dental emergencies can feel stressful, especially when pain comes on suddenly or you are unsure how serious the problem is. Our team takes time to explain what we see, review your options and help you make an informed decision about your care.
Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry is known for comprehensive, conservative care in a quiet, low-pressure environment. Whether you need a simple repair, urgent treatment or referral for specialty care, we will help you understand the next step.
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, bite pressure 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, extraction, referral for specialty care or another treatment depending on the extent of the damage.
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.
Do you treat children’s dental emergencies?
Our team can help evaluate dental pain, broken teeth, swelling and injuries for children when an emergency dental visit is appropriate. Call us as soon as possible so we can help determine the next step.
Do you provide root canal therapy for dental emergencies?
No. If root canal therapy appears to be needed, our team can evaluate the tooth and refer you to an appropriate provider. We can also help coordinate restorative care, such as a crown, if one is recommended after treatment.
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 many 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 emergency dental care in Fort Collins, Colorado. 970-484-4890