Emergency Dental

Emergency Dental Care: FAQs from Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, MT

Dental emergencies can be distressing and painful, but knowing what to do and where to go can make all the difference. At Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, MT, we believe in providing prompt and effective care for all your dental emergencies. Below, we’ll explain the types of dental emergencies, when to seek immediate care, and how we can ensure your comfort during treatment.

What are some types of dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies encompass a variety of urgent dental issues that require immediate attention. Some common types include:

Severe toothache: Intense pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter painkillers.
Chipped or broken teeth: Accidents or injuries that result in visible tooth damage.
Knocked-out tooth: A tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket.
Lost filling or crown: When a dental restoration falls out, exposing sensitive areas of the tooth.
Abscessed tooth: A painful, infected tooth that can cause swelling and fever.
Bleeding Gums: Uncontrollable bleeding from the gums, especially after an injury.

What types of emergencies can be scheduled for appointments?

Some dental emergencies can wait for a scheduled appointment if treated promptly:

Minor toothache: If the pain is mild and manageable with painkillers.
Small chips or cracks: If there’s no significant pain or sharp edges.
Loose or lost filling/crown: If the area is not causing severe pain.

Call Alpine Family Dental during office hours to schedule the next available appointment to tackle these issues.

When should I contact my dentist after hours?

In certain cases, emergencies demand immediate attention, even outside of regular office hours:

Severe pain: Pain that prevents you from eating, sleeping, or functioning normally.
Knocked-out tooth: Immediate action can save the tooth if addressed quickly.
Heavy bleeding: Continuous bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop with pressure.
Facial swelling: Significant swelling, especially if accompanied by fever, can indicate an infection.

For after-hours emergencies, contact Alpine Family Dental immediately. Our team will provide instructions on what to do until you can be seen.

What treatment options can my dentist provide?

At Alpine Family Dental, we offer a range of treatments to address dental emergencies:

Dental fillings or crowns: To restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
Root canal therapy: To treat infections within the tooth and alleviate severe pain.
Tooth extraction: For teeth that are too damaged or decayed to be saved.
Dental implants: To replace missing teeth with durable, natural-looking alternatives.
Wisdom tooth removal: For impacted or problematic wisdom teeth causing pain or infection.

How can I be comfortable during my treatment?

Dental emergencies can be stressful. Therefore, we aim to ensure your comfort. Here are some ways we guarantee your comfort during treatment:

Headphones for music or Netflix: To distract and relax you during procedures.
Blankets: To keep you warm and comfortable in the dental chair.
Local anesthetic: To numb the area and prevent pain during treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): To help you relax and reduce anxiety.
Oral sedation: Medication taken by mouth to help you stay calm and comfortable.
IV sedation: For deeper sedation and to ensure that you are completely relaxed throughout the procedure.

If you have a dental emergency, contact Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, MT immediately. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the urgent care you need to alleviate pain and resolve your dental issues. Call us now at (406) 393-8877 for immediate assistance or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Evan Olson. Trust Alpine Family Dental to provide compassionate and expert care during your dental emergency.

Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.

Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.

Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.

Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.

Emergency Dental