Emergency Dentistry

Facing a dental emergency is never something you plan for. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next you’re dealing with sudden pain, swelling, or a dental injury you can’t ignore. These moments often come with a mix of stress, fear, and uncertainty.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency right now, please call our office. We will give you immediate guidance and get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

Same-Day & After-Hours Appointments at Boise Dentistry Co.

At Boise Dentistry Co., we understand that dental emergencies can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team is committed to providing same-day appointments and after-hours availability so you can receive the attention you need as quickly as possible.

When something unexpected happens with your smile, we want you to feel confident knowing you have a trusted, compassionate team ready to help.

Check Out Before & After images From Real Cases

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health concern that requires urgent care to stop pain, prevent further damage, or preserve your overall health. Some situations are obviously urgent, like a broken tooth or facial swelling, while others can be harder to evaluate on your own.

When in doubt, we encourage patients to call. Our team will help you determine whether you need to be seen right away.

Below are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat:

Broken or Cracked Teeth

A broken tooth can happen for many reasons, such as accidents, sports injuries, biting down on something hard, or weakened enamel finally giving out. Even small fractures can allow bacteria to enter the tooth structure, which may lead to bigger problems down the road.

Addressing a broken tooth right away helps:

  • Preserve the remaining healthy tooth structure
  • Prevent misalignment from shifting teeth
  • Reduce or eliminate pain
  • Avoid infection or complications

Our team uses advanced diagnostic technology, including digital imaging and 3D scans, to evaluate the damage and determine the best treatment to restore your tooth’s function and appearance.

Signs of Infection

Swelling, fever, a foul taste, or persistent, throbbing pain are often signs of infection. These symptoms should never be ignored. Infection in the mouth can spread quickly and may lead to more serious health concerns if left untreated.

While Boise Dentistry Co. does not perform root canals, we do diagnose infections, provide immediate relief, and help you get the appropriate care. In many cases, we can treat the symptoms and stabilize the area while guiding you through the next steps with the right specialist for your needs.

If swelling is present, call us immediately. Facial swelling is always considered a dental emergency.

Severe or Sudden Pain

Tooth pain has a way of demanding attention. Whether it’s sharp or dull, constant or coming in waves, significant discomfort is usually a sign that something deeper is happening. The pain might indicate decay, a loose restoration, infection, or trauma.

If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.

Lost Crowns, Broken Restorations, or Loose Implants

A lost crown or damaged restoration can expose sensitive areas of your tooth, making eating, drinking, or speaking uncomfortable. If you experience any of the following, call us right away:

  • A crown or bridge that falls out
  • A fractured denture
  • A chipped veneer
  • A loose dental implant
  • A broken night guard or oral appliance

These situations require prompt care to protect your teeth and prevent further issues.

Trauma or Injury to the Mouth

Accidents can happen at any time from activities such as sports collisions, falls, or unexpected impact. Even if there’s no obvious crack or break, trauma can cause hidden damage. It’s always best to have a professional evaluation to ensure the teeth, gums, and jaw are functioning properly.

If you are bleeding or have a broken bone, we recommend you visit the emergency room immediately!

Compassionate Care When You Need It Most

When you’re dealing with a dental emergency, you deserve to be in an environment where you feel heard, supported, and cared for.

Boise Dentistry Co. was founded by placing patient trust as our highest priority. During emergencies, we act quickly, communicate clearly, and provide guidance with compassion.

Whether you’re in significant pain or simply unsure about the severity of your situation, our team is here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and create a plan to address your needs.

Emergency Dentistry at Boise Dentistry Co.

When you arrive for an emergency appointment, the first step is a thorough evaluation using advanced digital technology. We’ll identify the source of the problem and walk you through the treatment options that best fit your situation, wellness goals, and long-term oral health.

Here are the emergency services we provide:

Dental Crowns & Bridges

If a tooth is fractured, weakened, or significantly worn down, a dental crown can restore its strength and protect it from further damage. Using our digital scanners and advanced technology, we create highly accurate crowns to help you return to comfort quickly.
For patients missing one or more teeth due to emergency extractions or trauma, a dental bridge may be recommended to maintain alignment and restore chewing function.

Dentures & Partial Dentures

Damage to existing dentures, such as cracks, breaks, or improper fit, can make daily activities uncomfortable. We offer adjustments, repairs, and replacement options to help restore comfort and stability.

Dental Implants

Dr. Minert and Dr. Taylor are skilled in implant placement and experienced in using implants to restore missing teeth after traumatic injury or extraction. If you lose a tooth due to an emergency, dental implants provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution.

Tooth Extractions (Non-Wisdom Teeth)

When a tooth is too damaged to be saved, an extraction may be the most effective option to protect your oral health. We provide gentle, comfortable extractions along with detailed after-care instructions and restorative options for replacing the missing tooth.

TMJ Treatment

Emergency jaw discomfort, clicking, or locked-jaw symptoms can be frightening and painful. We evaluate TMJ-related concerns and offer personalized bite guards and other oral appliances to help relieve stress on the joints and muscles.

Dental Bonding & Tooth Contouring

Chips, minor cracks, and cosmetic damage can often be addressed quickly with bonding or contouring. These services restore the appearance of your smile while improving comfort and preventing further damage.

Dental Veneers

For patients who have cosmetic concerns resulting from trauma, such as fractures or discoloration, veneers may be recommended as part of a long-term restorative plan.

Smile Makeovers as Emergency Solutions

Dental emergencies sometimes require a combination of treatments. A smile makeover allows us to plan your care in an organized sequence, focusing on long-term improvement rather than handling issues one at a time. This comprehensive approach helps create a functional, natural-looking, and long-lasting result.

Sedation Dentistry for Emergency Care

Dental emergencies often come with heightened stress and discomfort. To make your visit more comfortable, Boise Dentistry Co. offers multiple sedation options, including:

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • IV sedation
  • General sedation (with a CRNA or anesthetist)

Sedation dentistry helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures by keeping you relaxed and focused, allowing our team to work efficiently and precisely—getting you out of the chair faster.

If you have dental anxiety or are facing a more involved emergency procedure, sedation can make the experience significantly more comfortable. Our team will review your medical history and help you choose the right sedation option for your needs.

What to Do Before You Arrive:
At-Home Steps for Common Dental Emergencies

When an emergency strikes, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next. Taking the right steps before you arrive at our office can make your treatment easier and more effective as well as provide comfort.

Here are some simple, safe actions you can take while you’re on your way to our office or waiting for your same-day appointment:

If You Have a Broken or Chipped Tooth

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear debris. If there is bleeding, place light pressure with clean gauze. Avoid chewing on the injured side, and save any large tooth fragments in a clean container if available. We may be able to bond the tooth pieces back in place.

If You Are Experiencing Swelling

Facial swelling often signals infection or trauma. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 10–15-minute intervals to help reduce inflammation. If swelling is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or spreading redness, call us immediately. These symptoms require urgent care.

If a Crown or Bridge Falls Out

Do not attempt to glue the restoration back in place, as household adhesives are unsafe for oral use. Keep the crown or bridge clean, place it in a secure container, and bring it with you. Sometimes, temporary dental cement can hold the piece in place until you are seen, but only use products made specifically for dental repairs.

If You Have Severe Tooth Pain

Tooth pain may worsen when lying flat, so staying upright can reduce pressure. Rinse gently with warm water, and if food is trapped around the area, floss carefully to relieve discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief can be helpful, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums; it can cause tissue irritation.

If You Experience Trauma to the Mouth or Jaw

Even if everything “looks fine,” injuries from sports, falls, or accidents can lead to hidden fractures or joint problems. Use a cold compress to control swelling, and call our office right away so we can evaluate your smile and jaw.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some emergencies are truly unavoidable, many can be prevented through consistent oral care and healthy habits. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Regular dental visits help us catch early signs of decay, enamel wear, gum irritation, and other issues before they turn into emergencies. Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make for your long-term wellness.

Daily brushing and flossing protect your teeth from harmful bacteria that cause decay and infection. Keeping your oral environment clean is your first and strongest defense against emergencies.

If you participate in any sport with the potential for facial contact, such as basketball, soccer, skiing, mountain biking, or recreational activities, wearing a custom-fitted mouth guard is essential. This simple device can prevent cracked teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage.

Chewing on ice, biting fingernails, using teeth to open packaging, and eating extremely hard foods can all lead to chips or cracks. Protecting your teeth from unnecessary pressure goes a long way toward avoiding unexpected problems.

Hear from our patients


Call Us Right Away!

Your smile deserves immediate attention and the highest level of care when something unexpected happens. At Boise Dentistry Co., our mission is to treat emergencies with urgency, compassion, and precision.

Located conveniently between Meridian and Boise, ID, our office serves patients throughout Ada County with same-day availability, after-hours options, and a dedication to providing exceptional care.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call us immediately. We are here to help when you need it most.