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Emergency Dental Exam
Prompt, Compassionate Dental Care When You Need It Most
Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time — but when they do, you can count on the local team at Montana Dental Works. As a privately owned, community-based practice, we focus on your comfort and care — not corporate quotas or profit margins.
Our emergency dental exam is $115, which includes:
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Limited Exam – $80: A focused evaluation of the problem area by one of our experienced doctors to determine the cause of pain or damage.
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Periapical (PA) X-Ray – $35: A detailed image that shows the entire tooth and surrounding bone, allowing us to diagnose accurately before beginning any treatment.
This straightforward fee ensures you receive a proper diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — with no hidden costs, no upselling, and no pressure. If you’re in pain, we’ll do everything we can to see you the same day and help you find lasting relief.
Transparent, Affordable Emergency Dental Care
At Montana Dental Works, we believe getting help in a dental emergency should never be stressful or confusing — especially when you’re already in pain. That’s why we keep our emergency visits simple, straightforward, and affordable.
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Limited Exam – $80
During your limited exam, one of our doctors will perform a focused evaluation of the problem area. This includes reviewing your symptoms, performing a visual and clinical inspection, and determining the most likely cause of your discomfort. The goal is to identify what’s wrong and outline your treatment options clearly, so you know exactly what’s next before any work begins. -
Periapical (PA) X-Ray – $35
In most emergency cases, a PA X-ray is needed to see what’s happening below the gumline. This detailed image allows us to examine the entire tooth structure — including the root and surrounding bone — to detect infection, abscesses, fractures, or bone changes. Without this image, it’s impossible to diagnose accurately or treat effectively. Please note; you may need more than one PA, we will notify you ahead of time.
Together, the exam and X-ray provide the full picture our doctors need to give you the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and the relief you need — all without unnecessary costs or hidden fees. You’ll always know what you’re paying for, and why — because transparency and trust are the foundation of how we care for our community.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
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Toothaches or swelling
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Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
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Lost or damaged fillings or crowns
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Gum or jaw pain
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Dental abscesses or infection
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Knocked-out teeth or trauma
If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, give us a call — our friendly team will walk you through what to do next and get you scheduled as soon as possible.
Why a PA X-Ray Is Needed Before Treatment?
Before we can properly treat any dental emergency, our doctors need to see what’s happening below the surface — that’s where a periapical (PA) X-ray comes in.
A PA X-ray shows the entire tooth, from the crown to the tip of the root, along with the surrounding bone. This image helps us detect issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam, such as:
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Infections or abscesses at the root of the tooth
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Cracks, fractures, or bone loss around the tooth
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Impacted teeth or hidden decay
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Changes in the supporting bone structure
Because dental pain can come from many sources, a PA X-ray allows us to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort — ensuring you receive the right diagnosis and treatment the first time. Without it, we’d only be guessing, which could lead to unnecessary procedures or incomplete care.
Understanding Dental Pain: When to Call for Help
Dental pain can range from mildly irritating to completely debilitating — but no matter the level, it’s your body’s way of saying something needs attention. Here’s how to tell when to give us a call:
Mild Pain — Early Warning Signs
You might notice occasional sensitivity to cold, slight soreness when chewing, or a dull ache that comes and goes. These early signs often point to a cavity, cracked filling, or gum irritation. While not an emergency yet, it’s best to schedule a visit soon — early care prevents small problems from turning into painful ones.
Moderate Pain — Discomfort That’s Hard to Ignore
Pain that keeps you up at night, swelling in the gums, or pressure when biting are signs that something deeper may be going on — such as an infection, abscess, or nerve inflammation. You should call us right away for an emergency dental exam so we can relieve the pain and stop it from spreading.
Severe Pain — Emergency Care Needed Now
If your pain is intense, constant, or paired with swelling, fever, or a bad taste, it’s a dental emergency. These symptoms can signal a serious infection or abscess that requires immediate attention. Call our office right away — our team will do everything possible to see you the same day and help you find relief fast.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist
While most dental emergencies can be handled right here at Montana Dental Works, some situations require immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room. These cases often involve injuries or infections that affect more than just the teeth and gums — and they need the resources of a full medical team to keep you safe.
You should go to the ER or call 911 immediately if you experience:
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Severe facial swelling that makes it difficult to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth
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Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10–15 minutes
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Broken or fractured jaw after an accident, fall, or trauma
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Head or neck injury combined with dental trauma
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High fever or spreading infection (especially with facial swelling or difficulty breathing)
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency or a dental issue, it’s always safest to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room first. Once you’re medically stable, our team can follow up with any needed dental treatment or restoration.
At Montana Dental Works, your health and safety come first. We’ll never hesitate to guide you toward the care that’s best for you — even if that means starting in the ER before coming to see us.
What to Do If a Tooth Falls Out
If a tooth has been knocked out, time matters — acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing it. Here’s what to do before you get to Montana Dental Works (or the nearest emergency dentist):
1. Handle the Tooth Carefully
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white, visible part) — not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate tissue needed for reattachment.
2. Gently Rinse, Don’t Scrub
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water or milk. Do not use soap, alcohol, or peroxide, and avoid scrubbing or drying the tooth.
3. Try to Reinsert the Tooth (Adults Only)
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place by biting down softly on gauze or a clean cloth. If that’s not possible, move to step four.
4. Keep the Tooth Moist
If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist. Place it in:
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A small container of milk, or
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A cup of your own saliva, or
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A tooth preservation solution (like Save-A-Tooth, available at most pharmacies)
Never store the tooth in water — it can damage the root cells.
5. Call Montana Dental Works Immediately
A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. If you get to our office within 30–60 minutes, there’s a much better chance we can save it. Call us right away at (406) 752-1166, and let us know you’re on your way.