Emergency dental care is designed to treat unexpected oral health problems that require immediate attention. While some dental concerns can wait for a routine appointment, others need prompt treatment to relieve pain, stop infection, or save a damaged tooth.

Our emergency dental services focus on:

• Relieving severe tooth pain
• Treating dental infections and abscesses
• Repairing broken or cracked teeth
• Replacing lost fillings or crowns
• Managing dental trauma
• Restoring your oral health as quickly as possible

At Blue Water Dental Care, we take a conservative approach to treatment whenever possible. Our goal is to preserve your natural teeth while providing lasting solutions that restore both function and appearance.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Dental emergencies come in many forms. If you're unsure whether your condition requires immediate care, our team is happy to help you determine the best next step.

Severe Toothaches

Persistent or intense tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying problem such as advanced tooth decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or inflammation inside the tooth. Ignoring the pain can allow the condition to worsen over time.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include medication, a restoration, or Root Canal Therapy to save your natural tooth.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth

Teeth can fracture due to sports injuries, falls, accidents, or biting into hard foods. Even small cracks can expose the inner tooth to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and additional damage.

Treatment options may include:

• Dental bonding
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Temporary restorations
• Protective crowns

For more extensive damage, we may recommend a Same-Day CEREC Crown, allowing you to restore your tooth in just one visit.

Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate treatment. Acting quickly significantly increases the chance of saving the tooth.

If a tooth is knocked out:

• Pick it up by the crown, not the root.
• Gently rinse it if necessary.
• Do not scrub the tooth.
• Place it back into the socket if possible.
• If not, store it in milk or saliva.
• Contact our office immediately.

If the tooth cannot be saved, Dr. David Kelly provides advanced tooth replacement options, including Dental Implants for a natural-looking, long-lasting solution.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

A lost filling or dental crown leaves the affected tooth exposed, making it more susceptible to pain, decay, and fracture. Prompt treatment helps protect the remaining tooth structure and restore normal function.

Dental Abscesses and Oral Infections

A dental abscess is a serious infection that should never be ignored. Symptoms often include:

• Severe, throbbing tooth pain
• Swollen gums
• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Pus around the tooth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Pain when chewing

Early treatment helps relieve pain, control infection, and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

Swollen Gums or Facial Swelling

Swelling around the gums or face often indicates infection or inflammation. Our dentists will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Oral Injuries and Dental Trauma

Sports injuries, falls, and accidents can damage the teeth, lips, gums, or jaw. Even if injuries appear minor, hidden fractures or internal damage may not be visible without a professional evaluation.

Our team uses advanced digital imaging to accurately diagnose injuries and recommend the best course of treatment.

What To Do Before Your Emergency Appointment

Taking the right steps before arriving at our office can improve your comfort and increase the success of treatment.

For Tooth Pain

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Gently floss around the affected tooth.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication if appropriate.
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on your gums.

For a Broken Tooth

• Save any broken pieces.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown.
• Keep it moist in milk or saliva.
• Seek immediate dental care.

For Bleeding

• Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Seek emergency medical care if bleeding cannot be controlled.

For Swelling

• Apply a cold compress in 15-minute intervals.
• Avoid applying heat.
• Contact our office immediately.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you visit Blue Water Dental Care for an emergency, our priority is to relieve your pain, diagnose the problem, and provide the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible. We use advanced technology and a personalized approach to ensure you receive efficient, high-quality care.

Emergency Evaluation

Your appointment begins with a thorough examination and a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and the events leading to your emergency. This helps our dentists determine the source of your discomfort and the urgency of treatment.

Advanced Digital Imaging

When necessary, we'll use digital X-rays or 3D imaging to identify fractures, infections, decay, or damage that may not be visible during a clinical examination. These technologies allow us to make accurate diagnoses while minimizing treatment delays.

Immediate Treatment

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Temporary or permanent crowns
• Root canal therapy
• Emergency tooth extraction
• Treatment for dental infections
• Repair of damaged restorations
• Pain management

Whenever possible, we'll complete treatment during your emergency visit or stabilize the problem until additional care can be scheduled.

Personalized Follow-Up Care

Before you leave, we'll explain your diagnosis, review your treatment options, and provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Cost of Emergency Dental Care

The cost of emergency dental treatment depends on the type and severity of your dental problem. Factors that may affect your treatment cost include:

• Emergency examination
• Digital X-rays or 3D imaging
• Type of restoration required
• Root canal therapy or extraction
• Prescription medications
• Follow-up treatment

Before beginning treatment, our team will explain your options and provide a clear estimate whenever possible. Blue Water Dental Care accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Guardian, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and many others.

If you don't have insurance, our Blue Water Dental Savings Plan includes emergency exams and necessary X-rays, along with preventive care and discounts on additional treatment. Flexible financing options are also available.

Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room

Many patients wonder whether they should visit a dentist or the emergency room during a dental emergency.

Visit an Emergency Dentist If You Have:

• Severe tooth pain
• A broken or cracked tooth
• A knocked-out tooth
• A lost filling or crown
• A dental abscess
• Swollen gums
• Loose or damaged restorations

Visit the Emergency Room If You Have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Serious facial trauma
• A suspected jaw fracture
• Severe swelling affecting your airway

If you're unsure where to go, call our office. We'll help determine the most appropriate next step.

Why Choose Blue Water Dental Care?

Choosing the right emergency dentist can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery. At Blue Water Dental Care, we combine advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to deliver prompt treatment when you need it most.

Patients choose us because we offer:

• Same-day emergency appointments whenever possible
• Experienced dentists dedicated to conservative care
• Digital X-rays and advanced 3D imaging
• Same-day CEREC crown technology
• Comprehensive restorative treatment under one roof
• Acceptance of most major dental insurance plans
• An in-house membership plan for uninsured patients
• More than 470 five-star patient reviews
• A modern, relaxing office designed with patient comfort in mind

Whether you're experiencing sudden pain or unexpected dental trauma, our team is committed to helping you feel comfortable and confident throughout your visit.

Proudly Serving Reno and Nearby Communities

Blue Water Dental Care proudly provides emergency dental care for patients throughout Reno, NV, including Midtown, Caughlin Ranch, ArrowCreek, Damonte Ranch, Somersett, Hidden Valley, Washoe Valley, and surrounding communities.

Conveniently located at 1820 S. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89509, our practice offers modern dentistry in a welcoming environment with convenient scheduling and personalized care.