Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what to anticipate in a traumatic situation can help you stay calm and level-headed. Patients in the Albuquerque, NM, area with urgent dental needs should immediately reach out for emergency care at New Mexico Smile Center. Our emergency dentist, Dr. Steve Ollason, can help alleviate your pain so you can go back to enjoying life again.
Request an AppointmentReach Out for Emergency Dental Care
Dr. Ollason has been a practicing dentist since 2013. Over the course of the last decade, he has provided critical dental care across a vast array of emergency situations. If you are struggling with any of the following, he is here for you:
- Major jaw injury
- Severe toothaches
- Bleeding that will not stop
- A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
- Significantly cracked teeth that are causing pain
If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact our Albuquerque dental office immediately by calling us. If Dr. Ollason is unavailable, go to the nearest emergency room.
Dental Emergencies Must Be Treated Swiftly
Dental emergencies should be treated as soon as possible, no matter how mild they may seem. Even a chip or crack can compromise the structure of a tooth, making it more susceptible to damage and decay.
Additionally, infections and abscesses can rapidly spread to other teeth if not addressed right away. As a result, what began as a small problem can turn into a significant one rather quickly. Emergency dental care can help alleviate pain and discomfort and prevent more serious issues from developing.
Why Albuquerque, NM, Relies on Us
Elite Technology
Dr. Ollason has invested in a suite of cutting-edge dental technologies that he uses to treat emergencies and restore smiles. He uses a digital X-ray machine to capture accurate oral imagery in a fraction of the time of traditional methods—an improvement that is crucial for time-sensitive emergency care. His other state-of-the-art devices include digital scanners and advanced oral cancer screening tools.
Relaxing Office
Many patients have negative associations with dental care due to poor past experiences with cold dentists in stuffy dental offices. Dr. Ollason and his team are known for their friendly demeanor and genuine regard for each patient. His office is modern, comfortable, and filled with vibrant blues, yellows, and greens to contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility.
Request Emergency Help Now
If you are even the tiniest bit concerned that you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should reach out to our expert team. In handling a large amount of urgent dental cases, we have finely honed our ability to determine what does and does not need immediate care.
Oftentimes, patients wait to treat dental emergencies. This can make what would have been a relatively simple fix fester into a more physically damaging and financially costly situation. Call our team now so we can intervene immediately.
Paying for Your Dental Emergency
Having an emergency dental need can be made even more stressful by worrying about the cost of paying a dentist. Our emergency dentist is sensitive to this and has taken multiple steps to alleviate financial stress.
Insurance
Our emergency dentist accepts virtually all dental insurances, with the notable exceptions of Centennial and Medicaid. Most dentistry insurance covers dental emergencies, meaning if you have insurance accepted by our dental practice, you don’t have to worry about high costs.
Discounts
Patients without insurance can also rely on our emergency dentist. Dr. Ollason maintains a patient loyalty program for individuals without insurance and offers discounted dental care, including discounted emergency services, for these Albuquerque patients.
Financing
To reduce the burden of out-of-pocket costs related to emergency dental needs, we accept CareCredit®. This third-party financing option breaks dental payments into no to low interest monthly installments. For example, you can use this to pay for dental implants to replace lost teeth.
Our Two Most Performed Procedures
Make Us Suited to Handle Emergency Needs
Our dentist offers many procedures to Albuquerque. His two most commonly performed procedures are root canal therapy and dental crowns, which can be critical for emergency dentistry.
Root Canal Therapy
If you are suffering from issues like a painful toothache or an abscess, you may need emergency root canal treatment. Dr. Ollason can eliminate your symptoms and save your natural tooth by performing root canal therapy to remove your underlying infection.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a popular restorative dentistry solution that can completely cover a severely damaged tooth. Our dentist can place a crown after a damaging emergency to protect your tooth, restore its shape, and reinstate optimal oral function.
What to Do While You Wait
If something stops you from receiving care right away, there are some steps you can take to protect your oral health.
Severely Cracked Tooth
If a fracture occurs, rinse with warm water to clean the area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce any discomfort and place a cold compress or ice pack on the area.
Significant Swelling or Bleeding
To reduce swelling and inflammation, place a cold compress over the area. Bleeding can be slowed with gentle, consistent pressure.
For a Knocked-Out Tooth
Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown. Never pick it up by the roots. If you are able, gently place the tooth back in its socket. If this is not feasible, keep the tooth moist by holding it in your mouth or by placing it in a cup of milk or saline.
We Naturally Handle Non-Urgent Concerns
Although any oral health issue can be nerve-wracking, there are some situations that can wait until regular business hours. While it is important to request a visit to our office as soon as possible to address your concerns and prevent further problems, these situations do not place you in immediate danger:
- A minor chipped tooth that does not cause pain
- A lost or broken filling, crown, or bridge
- A damaged night guard or retainer
- Dull or minor toothaches
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies such as severe tooth pain, broken teeth, or infections require prompt attention. At New Mexico Smile Center, emergency dental care focuses on relieving pain and restoring oral health as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, treatment may involve procedures such as root canal therapy, dental crowns, or other restorative treatments.
Emergency Dentist in Albuquerque FAQs
What is considered a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies may include severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, swelling, infections, or dental trauma.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible or store it in milk and contact a dentist immediately.
How quickly should I see a dentist during an emergency?
You should contact a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and relieve discomfort.
Can a dentist treat severe tooth pain?
Yes, emergency dental care can address the cause of tooth pain and provide relief through appropriate treatment.
Do emergency dentists treat infections?
Yes, dentists can treat infections and may prescribe medication or perform procedures to resolve the issue.
Can a chipped or broken tooth be repaired?
In many cases, chipped or broken teeth can be repaired using bonding, crowns, or other restorative treatments.