Emergency dentist in Boise, ID
Same-day emergency dental appointments every weekday. Broken teeth, severe pain, knocked-out teeth, lost crowns, call now. We keep emergency slots open daily so you never have to wait in agony.
Dental emergency? Call us right now.
Our front desk prioritizes emergency calls. Tell us what happened and we will get you in today.
(208) 344-6300Monday – Friday • Same-day emergency slots available
Why Boise trusts Lamb Family Dental for emergencies
Same-day appointments
We reserve emergency slots in our schedule every single weekday. When you call with a dental emergency, we work to get you into the chair the same day, often within hours. No waiting days or weeks while you suffer.
Sedation available
Emergencies are stressful enough without dreading the treatment. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation so you can stay comfortable and calm while we repair the damage and eliminate your pain.
After-hours guidance
If your emergency happens outside office hours, call our main line for recorded guidance on how to manage your situation until we can see you. We will return your call first thing the next business day to schedule an urgent visit.
No referral needed
You do not need a referral from another dentist to be seen as an emergency patient. New patients and existing patients receive the same priority. Walk-ins are accommodated when possible, but calling ahead ensures faster treatment.
Common dental emergencies we treat
If you are experiencing any of the following, contact us immediately. These conditions worsen quickly and early treatment produces the best outcomes.
Knocked-out tooth
A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out can often be saved if you reach us within 30 to 60 minutes. Handle the tooth by the crown only, gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it in milk or saliva and get to our office immediately.
Cracked or broken tooth
A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth exposes the sensitive inner layers to bacteria and extreme temperature sensitivity. Rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call us. We will determine whether a crown, bonding, or other restoration is needed to save the tooth.
Severe toothache
Persistent, throbbing tooth pain often signals an infection deep inside the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress can help temporarily, but the underlying cause, usually decay that has reached the nerve, requires professional treatment before it becomes an abscess.
Lost filling or crown
When a filling falls out or a crown comes loose, the exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to further damage and infection. Save the crown if you have it, avoid chewing on that side, and call us for a same-day repair. We can often re-cement the crown or place a new restoration in a single visit.
Abscess or swelling
Facial swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gums, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth can indicate a dental abscess, a serious infection that can spread to other parts of your body. This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Call us immediately; do not wait for it to resolve on its own.
What to do before you arrive
Taking the right steps in the first few minutes of a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Follow these guidelines while you are on your way to our office.
Call us first
Call (208) 344-6300 before you leave. Describe what happened so we can prepare the right equipment, materials, and treatment room before you walk through the door.
Control bleeding
Apply firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze or a damp tea bag to any area that is bleeding. Maintain steady pressure for 15 to 20 minutes without removing the gauze to check. If bleeding is heavy and does not slow, go to your nearest emergency room.
Manage pain and swelling
Take ibuprofen (not aspirin, which can increase bleeding) as directed on the package. Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
Save any tooth fragments
If a tooth or piece of a tooth has broken off, collect the fragments and bring them with you. Place them in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Do not wrap them in tissue, the fragments can dry out and become unusable.
Avoid these mistakes
Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum, it causes chemical burns. Do not use superglue to reattach a crown. Do not ignore a knocked-out tooth because it does not hurt yet, the nerve may be damaged, and time is critical for reimplantation.
Frequently asked questions
Do you take walk-ins for dental emergencies?
We accommodate walk-ins whenever possible, but calling ahead is strongly recommended. When you call, we can prepare for your specific situation and minimize your wait time. Patients who call first are almost always seen faster than those who walk in unannounced.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out or broken tooth, facial swelling, or signs of infection such as fever and pus. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call us anyway, we would rather evaluate you and confirm it is minor than have you wait while a serious problem gets worse.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
Emergency exam and X-ray fees typically range from $100 to $250. Treatment costs depend on what is needed, a simple re-cementation of a crown is less expensive than a root canal or extraction. We provide a clear cost estimate before beginning any treatment, accept most major dental insurance plans, and offer CareCredit financing for patients who need a payment plan.
What if I have an emergency after hours?
Call our main number at (208) 344-6300 and follow the after-hours prompts for guidance on managing your emergency until we open. We return all after-hours messages first thing the next business morning and will prioritize getting you in. If you are experiencing uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, or severe facial swelling, go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Do you accept dental insurance for emergency visits?
Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits before treatment whenever possible. Emergency visits are typically covered under your plan’s basic or preventive benefits. For patients without insurance, we offer our in-house Lamb Family Dental Membership Plan as well as CareCredit financing to make emergency care affordable.
Patient Resources for Dental Emergencies
Knowing what to do in the first minutes of a dental emergency can save a tooth. The organizations below publish first-aid and triage guidance for the most common dental emergencies.
- American Dental Association, Dental Emergencies, ADA’s first-aid guide for toothache, broken teeth, and avulsion
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), surgical specialty guidance for facial trauma, abscesses, and severe injuries
- American Association of Endodontists, Cracked Teeth, specialty guide on cracked tooth emergencies and pulpal involvement
- International Association of Dental Traumatology, global standard guidelines for tooth avulsion and dental trauma management
- NIH NIDCR, Dental Emergencies, federal research and patient guidance on dental injury and infection
Don’t wait, call now
Every minute matters in a dental emergency. The sooner we see you, the more we can save.
Insurance and Payment for Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental visits are usually classified as a basic service by insurance plans, covered at 70 to 80 percent after your deductible. We see emergency patients the same day and verify your insurance coverage before treatment begins.
We accept Delta Dental, Blue Cross of Idaho, Cigna, Aetna, and 10+ other carriers. No insurance? Our in-house savings plan saves you 20–40% on every procedure. Learn about all financing and payment options.