In moments of sudden toothaches or unexpected injuries, quick access to emergency dentists in Phoenix becomes essential not only for immediate relief but also to prevent infections and pain. Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth or an incessant toothache, the importance of finding quick and reliable emergency dental care cannot be overstated.
Delaying emergency care can not only make your dental injury worse, especially in cases like a potential root canal, but it could also lead to increased hospitalization or a more substantial dental bill. Seeking emergency dental care immediately not only ensures timely treatment but also reduces the potential for escalating complications and associated costs.
Don’t underestimate the impact of an emergency dentist in Phoenix — they can be the key to preserving your oral health and overall well-being.
What is a Dental Emergency?
When it comes to a dental emergency, some things are obvious.For example, having a tooth come out when you bite too hard or your dental crown coming loose would be considered dental emergencies. Other situations, though, can be harder to determine if it’s an emergency, such as sudden sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures or a sharp pain that just won’t leave and is getting worse.
Although it can be tempting to ignore dental issues, it’s important to see a dentist right away to avoid your condition from getting worse. Seek out emergency dentists in Phoenix if you have any of the following.
Traumatic injuries
Accidents or injuries that result in broken teeth, dislodged teeth, or injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Severe toothaches
Intense and persistent toothaches often indicate underlying issues such as infections, abscesses, or decay that require urgent intervention.
Lost dental restorations
The sudden loss or damage of dental crowns, fillings, or other restorative devices may necessitate prompt attention to prevent further complications.
Infections
Swelling, pain, and signs of infection in the gums or jaw can be indicative of dental abscesses, requiring immediate treatment to prevent the spread of infection.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Pain or swelling caused by impacted wisdom teeth may require urgent attention to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Bleeding gums
Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or other oral tissues could be a sign of an underlying issue, and immediate care is essential.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to take quick action to help minimize pain and prevent further damage to your teeth. The most important step is to seek out emergency dentists in Phoenix before trying DIY treatment. A professional will be able to assess and recommend treatment for each specific emergency.
There are some steps you can take depending on your specific dental issue to help alleviate pain and damage.
Broken tooth
In the case of a broken tooth, preserve any fragments, rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and promptly seek dental care for evaluation and necessary treatment.
Once you’re at the emergency dentist, you may need to have X-rays to see how much damage there is. Your dentist may suggest bonding, dental veneers, or crowns to restore the tooth’s structure. In severe cases, you might have to have an emergency tooth removal followed by a tooth implant.
Severe toothache
To help your toothache, start with using dental floss to remove any debris and then rinse with warm salt water. Take over-the-counter medicine that has been approved by your doctor, but do not place the painkiller directly on the gums. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to identify and address the root cause.
Depending on the cause of the toothache, your dentist may need a dental filling, root canal, or even a tooth extraction. If you have any sign of infection, they may also prescribe antibiotics.
Lost dental filling or crown
Sometimes dental fillings or crowns can come loose, especially if you’ve eaten something sticky and hard. For a lost dental filling or crown, rinse with warm water to keep the area clean. If possible, reposition the filling or crown using dental adhesive or temporary dental cement, and visit an emergency dentist for a more permanent solution as soon as possible.
Your emergency dentist in Phoenix will assess the remaining tooth structure and the condition of the lost restoration. They may clean and disinfect the area before repositioning the filling or crown using dental adhesive or temporary dental cement. If the restoration is damaged or cannot be re-positioned, the dentist will discuss a more permanent solution, such as a new filling or crown.
Knocked-out teeth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it delicately by the crown, or top part of the tooth, avoiding root contact. Rinse it gently with water — don’t scrub it — and attempt to reinsert it into the socket with gentle pressure. If unsuccessful, store it in milk or saliva. Either way, seek immediate dental attention.
For a knocked-out tooth, the dentist will first attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket and secure it in place. The success of this procedure depends on how quickly the patient seeks dental care. In some cases, the dentist may splint the tooth to adjacent teeth for stabilization. If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will discuss replacement options, such as dental implants, bridges, or removable prosthetics.
Abscess or infection
Any infection or abscess that appears in your mouth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading. If you can’t see a dentist right away, rinse with warm salt water to help clean it and apply a cold compress to help with swelling.
During your emergency dentist visit, your dentist will perform an examination, including X-rays, to assess how bad the infection is. Treatment options include draining the abscess, root canal therapy to remove infected pulp, or if the infection is severe enough, remove the tooth.
Dental Services: Phoenix’s Trusted Dentists
Dr. Roy Shim, MA, DDS is committed to providing reliable care when you need it most. Our team at Corner Dentistry understands the urgency of these situations and is equipped to address a range of issues promptly.
Our services include:
- Tooth trauma management
- Dental restorations
- Toothache relief
- Lost dental filling or crown
- Facial swelling and abscess treatment
- Emergency examinations and diagnostics
- Emergency tooth removal
From tooth trauma management to lost dental restorations and severe toothache relief, our comprehensive dental services in Phoenix cover a wide range of urgent oral health concerns. Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies, allowing us to diagnose and treat dental situations with precision.
We prioritize patient comfort throughout the care process, creating a supportive and reassuring environment during what can be a stressful time. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific case, ensuring targeted and effective solutions.