What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Not all dental discomfort requires urgent care, but certain symptoms or injuries need immediate attention to prevent lasting damage. You should contact our Bozeman dentist right away if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain that won’t subside
• A knocked-out tooth (fully or partially)
• Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Loose or missing fillings or crowns
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or mouth
• Swelling of the jaw or face
• Signs of infection, including fever or pus near the gums

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office anyway. Our friendly staff can help determine if you need an immediate visit or can schedule a next-day appointment.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies We Treat

At Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, we provide fast and effective emergency dental services for all types of oral health issues. Our priority is to relieve your pain, protect your oral health, and restore your smile.

1. Severe Toothache or Dental Pain

Tooth pain may indicate an infection, decay, or damaged nerve. Our team will identify the source of the pain and may recommend root canal therapy, antibiotics, or a dental filling to restore your comfort and health.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out, act quickly:

• Gently rinse it with milk or saline (not water).
• Hold it by the crown, not the root.
• Place it back into its socket if possible or store it in milk until you arrive.

Getting treatment within 30–60 minutes gives you the best chance of saving your natural tooth.

3. Broken or Cracked Teeth

A broken tooth can expose the tooth’s nerves, causing pain and risk of infection. We offer same-day restorations like bonding, crowns, or veneers to repair the tooth and protect against further damage.

4. Lost Fillings or Crowns

When a filling or crown falls out, the exposed tooth becomes sensitive and vulnerable. Dr. Murphy can replace or reattach your restoration quickly, preventing discomfort and additional decay.

5. Dental Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess—an infection at the tooth’s root or gum line—requires immediate care. Symptoms include swelling, severe pain, or a foul taste in your mouth. We’ll drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, and perform restorative treatment to eliminate the infection.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Accidents involving the lips, cheeks, or gums can cause bleeding and discomfort. Apply a clean cloth or cold compress and call our office right away if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10–15 minutes.

 

The Importance of Prompt Emergency Dental Care

Ignoring a dental emergency can worsen your symptoms and lead to serious complications. What starts as minor discomfort can quickly progress into an infection, bone loss, or permanent tooth damage.

Prompt care provides several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Immediate treatment stops pain and swelling.
• Prevents Infection: Reduces the risk of bacteria spreading to other areas.
• Saves Your Teeth: Fast action increases the chances of saving a knocked-out or damaged tooth.
• Protects Your Overall Health: Oral infections can affect your entire body if left untreated.

At Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, we provide compassionate, efficient care designed to help you recover quickly and comfortably.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at our office for an emergency, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, friendly environment. Dr. Murphy and our experienced team will evaluate your symptoms and create a plan tailored to your needs.

1. Initial Assessment: We’ll discuss your symptoms and perform a quick but thorough exam.
2. Digital X-Rays: If needed, X-rays help us pinpoint hidden issues like fractures or infection.
3. Pain Relief: Local anesthesia or sedation options ensure your comfort throughout treatment.
4. Immediate Treatment: We stabilize your condition and address the emergency, whether that means repairing a tooth, draining an abscess, or reattaching a crown.
5. Follow-Up Plan: We’ll schedule a follow-up visit if additional dental work—like fillings, implants, or root canal therapy—is needed.

Our goal is to relieve your discomfort, protect your oral health, and restore your confidence in one visit whenever possible.

What You Can Do Before You Arrive

While you should always seek emergency dental care promptly, there are steps you can take to minimize pain and prevent complications before reaching our office:

• For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Place it in milk or gently back into its socket.
• For Severe Pain: Take over-the-counter pain medication (not aspirin directly on the tooth).
• For Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
• For Bleeding: Press a clean cloth or gauze against the area.
• For a Broken Tooth: Rinse with warm water and save any fragments.

Avoid using your damaged tooth for chewing and contact Bozeman Gentle Dentistry immediately.

How Bozeman Gentle Dentistry Handles Emergencies

Our philosophy is simple—no one should suffer dental pain longer than necessary. That’s why we reserve space in our schedule each day for patients experiencing dental emergencies.

You can expect:

• Immediate scheduling for urgent needs
• Advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and efficient care
• Gentle techniques to minimize anxiety and pain
• A caring environment where your comfort always comes first

Our team will also help you understand your insurance coverage and payment options to make treatment as stress-free as possible.

Emergency Dental Services We Offer

Our comprehensive dental care approach means we can treat nearly every type of dental emergency in one convenient location.

Our emergency services include:

• Tooth extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Restorative fillings and dental crowns
• Gum treatment for infections
• Reattachment of knocked-out teeth
• Treatment for chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
• Relief for swelling, bleeding, and oral trauma

If your emergency dental needs require specialized treatment, we’ll coordinate care with trusted oral surgeons or specialists in the Bozeman area.