In pain right now?
Call us. You don't need to read this page first. Dr. Fred Guerra has treated dental emergencies in Colorado Springs for more than 20 years.
(719) 596-12303208 N ACADEMY BLVD, SUITE 100
Go to the emergency room, not a dental office, if any of this is happening
Most dental problems are miserable but not dangerous. A few are genuinely dangerous, and a dental office is the wrong place for them.
- Swelling spreading toward your eye or down into your neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Fever along with facial swelling
- Bleeding that won't stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- A jaw that won't open or close, or that may be broken
- A head injury alongside the dental injury
An infection that starts in a tooth can move into the tissues of the face and throat. It's uncommon, and it's a real emergency when it happens. If you're unsure, err toward the ER. We'd much rather see you afterward for the tooth.
What's happening?
Tap what's going on and we'll tell you what to do while you're on your way.
What happens when you come in
We start by getting you out of pain. Everything else follows from there.
You'll get an exam and X-rays so we can see what's actually going on, including anything below the gumline. Dr. Guerra will tell you what he sees in plain language and lay out the options, including what happens if you do nothing. Then you decide.
Sometimes the visit resolves the whole thing. Sometimes it stabilizes the tooth and takes the pain away, and the definitive repair happens at a follow-up. Either way you leave knowing what's wrong and what it will take to fix it.
Diagnosis here uses laser cavity detection, low-radiation digital X-rays, and Cone Beam 3D imaging, which matters most when the problem isn't visible on a standard film. Dr. Guerra handles nearly everything in this office, so most patients aren't sent across town in the middle of an emergency.
If you're nervous about coming in
A lot of dental emergencies happen to people who've been avoiding the dentist. Sometimes for years. We know why, and nobody here is going to lecture you about it.
Nitrous oxide sedation is available and it takes the edge off considerably. It wears off before you drive home. If dental anxiety is the reason you've been putting this off, say so when you call and we'll plan the visit around it.
Cost
We take most major insurance and will file the claim for you. Cash, check, all major cards, and CareCredit are accepted. For patients without insurance, the Smile 365 Plan covers preventive care at a set annual cost.
Nobody makes a good financial decision while their face hurts. You'll get the cost before treatment starts, not after.
Hours and after hours
Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We're closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Why patients pick Guerra Dental
We're on North Academy Boulevard at Suite 100, easy to reach from Briargate, Village Seven, Rustic Hills, Palmer Park, and the Powers corridor.
Common questions
Can I be seen today for a dental emergency?
Placeholder. Answer honestly based on real capacity. Don't promise same-day unless the office can deliver it consistently.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Pain that stops you sleeping or working, swelling of any kind, a tooth that's knocked out or badly broken, bleeding that won't stop, and a lost crown or filling on a tooth that now hurts. If you're asking the question, it's worth a phone call.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Handle it by the crown, not the root. Rinse in milk if it's dirty, without scrubbing. Put it back in the socket if you can, or into a cup of milk if you can't. Get to a dentist within the hour. Time is the single biggest factor in whether the tooth survives.
Should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go to the ER for spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, fever with swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected broken jaw. For pain, broken teeth, lost restorations, and abscesses without those warning signs, a dental office is the right place and is usually faster.
Do you treat patients who aren't already with the practice?
Yes. Many people first come to us during an emergency.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept most major plans and file the claim for you. Call with your plan details and we'll check before your visit.
I'm terrified of the dentist. Can you help?
Yes, and you're not unusual. Nitrous oxide sedation is available. Tell us when you book so we can plan for it.
What if it happens on a weekend?
Placeholder. Fill in based on the actual after-hours protocol.