Emergency dental care
Same-day appointments when you need one.

When You Need One

Common dental emergencies we treat

• Severe toothache

  Persistent throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot/cold lasting more than a few seconds, or pain that wakes you up at night.

• Cracked or chipped tooth

  Often from biting something hard or from grinding. Even small cracks should be evaluated quickly.

• Knocked-out tooth

  See immediately. Best results within 30 minutes. Keep the tooth moist (milk or saliva) on the way in.

• Lost filling or crown

  Usually not painful but the exposed tooth becomes sensitive and can crack. Save the crown if possible — often we can re-bond it.

• Dental abscess

  A bump on the gum, severe pain, fever, or facial swelling. Requires prompt care to stop infection from spreading.

• Dental trauma / bleeding

  Falls, sports injuries, or facial trauma. Apply pressure with gauze for active bleeding and call us right away.

FAQ

Emergency Dentistry — questions answered.

• Does Blaskovich Family Dental accept new patients for emergencies?

  Yes. We see new patients for emergencies the same day whenever possible. Call (719) 647-9433 as early as you can — same-day slots fill up. After the emergency is resolved, you're welcome to stay on as a regular patient (most do).

• I live in Pueblo — can I be seen on a Monday?

  Yes. We're open Mondays and hold same-day emergency appointments Monday through Friday, for patients in Pueblo West and Pueblo. Our office is about 20 minutes from downtown Pueblo. Call (719) 647-9433 as early in the day as you can so we can fit you in.

• What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

  Time matters — the tooth has the best chance of survival if it's replanted within 30 minutes. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. Gently rinse it with water if dirty, but do not scrub. If possible, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If you can't reinsert it, store the tooth in milk (preferable) or saliva and call our office immediately.

• Will I need a root canal?

  Maybe — it depends on the cause. Severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, or pain when biting often points to nerve involvement that requires a root canal. Other emergencies (a chipped tooth, a lost filling, a small crack) usually do not. Dr. Mark will examine and X-ray the tooth to give you a definitive diagnosis.

• How much does emergency dental care cost?

  Every case is different — we’ll give you a written estimate at your consultation, and we’re happy to check your insurance benefits. For an emergency, we'll examine the tooth, explain what's going on, and go over your estimate before any treatment begins — many emergencies are simpler and less expensive to fix than they feel.

• What if my emergency is after hours or on the weekend?

  We are closed Saturday and Sunday. Patients of record have access to our after-hours number. Not yet a patient? Call (719) 647-9433 when we open — we reserve same-day emergency appointments Monday–Friday. For severe swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t stop, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

• When should I go to the ER instead of a dentist?

  Go to the emergency room or call 911 (not the dentist) for: severe facial swelling, especially with a fever or if it's affecting your breathing or ability to swallow; uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop with pressure; jaw fractures or significant facial trauma; or any situation where you feel your airway is compromised. Once you're medically stable, we can handle the dental side.

• Can I go to a dentist without an appointment?

  You can call and walk in, but always call first. Even for true emergencies, calling ahead lets us prepare for your arrival, gather insurance info, and minimize your wait. Walk-ins without prior calls may have to wait.

• How can I prevent dental emergencies?

  Most emergencies can be prevented. The big ones: see your dentist every 6 months so small problems get caught before they become emergencies; wear a mouthguard for contact sports; wear a night guard if you grind your teeth; don't use your teeth to open packages or bite ice; and don't ignore a small ache (it usually gets worse, not better).