Emergency Services
Emergency Services for Unexpected Dental Issues
First, decide whether this is a hospital emergency
Our Scottsdale Ranch team can handle most dental emergencies faster than an emergency room can. A few situations need hospital care first, so call 911 or go to the nearest ER if any of these apply:
- Facial swelling that is moving toward your eye or neck, or that makes breathing or swallowing difficult
- Bleeding that keeps going after 15 to 20 minutes of firm, steady pressure
- A jaw that may be broken or dislocated, or a facial injury where you lost consciousness
- Fever together with facial swelling and feeling unwell
Otherwise, call us. Emergency rooms can treat pain and infection, but they cannot repair or restore a tooth.
A toothache that will not ease
Swish gently with warm salt water and floss carefully around the tooth in case something is lodged there. A nonprescription pain reliever used as the label directs can tide you over. Do not hold aspirin against the gum, because it burns the tissue. Pain that keeps coming back seldom resolves on its own, so call us.
A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
Rinse with warm water and save any fragments to bring in. A cold pack on the outside of your cheek keeps swelling down, and chewing on the other side protects the tooth. Small chips still deserve a look, since a crack can run below the gum line out of sight.
Swelling, a bad taste or a bump on the gum
These are common signs of infection, including a dental abscess. Never try to drain it yourself. Rinse with warm salt water and call us the same day. If the swelling is growing or you feel ill, treat it as urgent and follow the hospital guidance above.
A crown or filling has come out
Hold on to the crown if you have it. Pharmacy dental cement can cover the exposed tooth for now, and a little clove oil can calm sensitivity. Do not use denture adhesive or household glue. Chew on the opposite side and call us, because an exposed tooth can crack or decay quickly.
A knocked-out adult tooth
Pick it up by the crown, never the root. Rinse it briefly with milk or saline rather than tap water, and do not scrub it. If you can, ease it back into the socket and hold it there. If not, keep it in milk or your own saliva so it never dries out. Reaching us within 60 minutes gives the tooth its best chance.
A bitten lip, tongue or cheek
Rinse the area gently with water and press clean gauze against it firmly. A cold pack helps with swelling. If the bleeding continues after 15 to 20 minutes of steady pressure, get emergency care.
Food or an object stuck between teeth
Use floss and work it in gently rather than snapping it through. Never use a pin, needle or other sharp object, which can injure the gum or scratch the tooth. If it will not come out, call us instead of continuing to try.
A broken braces wire or bracket
Bend a poking wire flat with a pencil eraser or cover the end with orthodontic wax. Do not cut it, because a loose piece could be swallowed or inhaled. Call us to schedule a repair.
Throbbing pain a few days after an extraction
Pain that starts two to four days after an extraction can mean dry socket, where the protective clot has come loose. It is very treatable and relief usually comes quickly, but it needs to be seen, so call rather than waiting.
Still unsure?
Call S&C Dental Scottsdale Ranch at 602-887-8373. It takes a minute to describe what happened, and we would much rather talk it through than have you sit in pain or lose a tooth that could have been saved.
This page shares general first-aid information and does not replace an exam. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, seek care right away.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Don’t hesitate to contact our practice if you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We can help assess your situation and provide guidance on the next steps. Common signs of a dental emergency include the following conditions:
- Cracked tooth
- Broken tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe bleeding
- Intense pain
Calling us promptly ensures we can provide the appropriate care and advice to address your emergency quickly and effectively. We can also calm your nerves and provide guidance for handling your problem until you visit our practice.
Compassionate Care for All Ages
At S&C Dental Scottsdale Ranch, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, so our team provides compassionate care to patients of all ages. We strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for each patient, regardless of their emergency. Our experienced and caring staff will listen to your concerns and address any questions you may have before proceeding with treatment. We want you to feel at ease during your emergency dental visit.
Advanced Technology
Our team combines advanced technology with a commitment to affordable care to ensure efficient and effective treatment for all our patients. We can quickly assess your emergency using the latest digital X-rays and determine the best course of action. Our CEREC machine allows for same-day crowns and bridges, eliminating the need for multiple appointments. We keep up with the latest advancements in emergency dentistry to provide top-notch care and continuously work to improve our services. We aim to make high-quality dental care accessible to everyone.
Count on Quick and Effective Emergency Services
If you’re experiencing a dental problem, don’t hesitate to contact S&C Dental Scottsdale Ranch for emergency services in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas. Our experienced team can provide quick and effective care to resolve your case. We know that dental issues can arise without warning at any time, so we’re ready to help you. Your oral health is our priority, so don’t delay seeking treatment for your dental emergency. Please contact us immediately for more information and to receive quick and effective care for your issue.