Emergency Dental Care

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency arises when there is an immediate threat to the well-being of your teeth and the surrounding tissues. Such emergencies are often the result of an impact to the mouth, but they can also be caused by infections. Seeking immediate professional evaluation is crucial for the best possible outcome in any dental emergency.

After Hours Emergencies

If you are a patient who has already visited our office and faces a severe dental emergency after our regular hours, such as significant infection, pain, or trauma, please do not hesitate to call us at:

(602) 944-4577 – for patients seen in our Central Phoenix office.

What to do if a tooth is knocked out?

For permanent teeth that are knocked out, follow these steps: rinse the tooth gently and attempt to place it back in the socket. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container with milk, water, or saliva. Avoid touching the roots; handle the tooth by the crown only, and refrain from brushing it. Contact us IMMEDIATELY for guidance and emergency treatment – acting quickly increases the likelihood of saving the tooth!

For baby teeth that are unexpectedly knocked out, leave them out and get in touch with us immediately for instructions.

Other Emergency Dental Situations:

• Substantial Toothache
• Significant Sensitivity
• Swollen or Sore Gums
• Jaw Pain
• Infection
• Broken, Cracked, and Chipped Teeth
• Broken Fillings
• Lost Crown

Pain Management

If you cannot immediately visit our office, here are some effective home remedies to alleviate discomfort while waiting for care:

• Rinse with warm water for soothing sore teeth and gums.
• Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Apply ice packs to the outside of cheeks to reduce inflammation.
• Dental anesthetics containing benzocaine can be used as directed on the package for pain relief.
• Reduce sensitivity by avoiding overly hot and cold foods and beverages.
• For jaw pain, you can use heating pads.
• Avoid chewing in the injured area.
• If a broken tooth has a sharp edge, place cotton over it to protect the soft tissues in your mouth.

Pain-Free Emergencies

Some dental emergencies may not cause immediate pain, but they can lead to serious issues, such as nerve damage in the roots. Therefore, all the listed conditions require prompt attention, regardless of the presence of pain.

We are here to help!