Emergency Services

Emergency Services for Unexpected Dental Issues

At S&C Dental Scottsdale Ranch, we know dental issues can occur without warning, so we offer emergency services in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas. Using innovative technology, our highly skilled team will alleviate any pain and discomfort while addressing the underlying issue of your pain. We know timing is crucial for dental emergencies, so we offer same-day appointments for urgent cases. Our team of dentists and staff are trained to handle a variety of dental emergencies, including severe toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and more. Contact us if you need assistance with a dental emergency.

When to go to a hospital emergency room instead

Most dental problems are treated fastest at a dental office, but a few need a hospital. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any of the following:

• Swelling spreading toward your eye or down your neck, or swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Bleeding that will not stop after 15–20 minutes of firm, continuous pressure
• A suspected broken or dislocated jaw, or a facial injury that involved loss of consciousness
• A fever alongside facial swelling and feeling generally unwell

For everything else, calling us first is usually faster. Hospital emergency rooms can manage pain and infection, but they are not equipped to repair or restore teeth.

Severe toothache

Rinse gently with warm salt water, then floss carefully on either side of the tooth to dislodge anything trapped. An over-the-counter pain reliever, taken as directed on the packet, can help in the meantime. Never place aspirin directly against the gum — it burns the tissue. Call us as soon as you can: a toothache that keeps returning rarely settles on its own.

Chipped, cracked or broken tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of the tooth to bring with you. Hold a cold compress against the outside of the cheek to limit swelling, and avoid chewing on that side. Even a small chip is worth checking, because a crack can extend below the gum line where you cannot see it.

Facial swelling or a dental abscess

Swelling around a tooth, a persistent bad taste, or a pimple-like bump on the gum can all signal infection. Do not try to drain it yourself. Rinse with warm salt water and call us the same day. If the swelling is spreading or you feel unwell, treat it as urgent and see the emergency-room guidance above.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown if you still have it. You can cover the exposed tooth temporarily with dental cement from a pharmacy, or dab a little clove oil on the sensitive area for relief. Avoid denture adhesive or household glue. Chew on the other side and call us — an unprotected tooth can fracture or decay quickly.

Knocked-out tooth — time matters most

Handle the tooth by the crown only, never the root. Rinse it briefly with milk or saline (not tap water, and do not scrub it). If you can, place it straight back into the socket and hold it there. If you cannot, keep it in milk or your own saliva — never let it dry out. Getting to us within 60 minutes gives the tooth the best chance of surviving.

Bitten lip, tongue or cheek

Clean the area gently with water and apply firm pressure with clean gauze. A cold compress will reduce swelling. If bleeding does not stop after 15–20 minutes of steady pressure, seek emergency care.

Something stuck between your teeth

Try dental floss first, easing it gently rather than snapping it down. Never use a pin, needle or anything sharp — it is easy to damage the gum or scratch the tooth. If it will not come free, call us rather than persisting.

Broken braces wire or bracket

If a wire is poking your cheek, push it flat with the eraser end of a pencil or cover it with orthodontic wax. Do not cut the wire, as it could be swallowed or inhaled. Call to arrange a repair.

Pain a few days after an extraction

Throbbing pain that begins two to four days after a tooth is removed can indicate a dry socket, where the protective blood clot has been lost. This is treatable and relief is usually quick, but it needs to be seen — call us rather than waiting it out.

Not sure whether it counts as an emergency?

Call us on 602-887-8373. Describing the problem takes a minute, and we would far rather talk it through than have you wait in pain or risk losing a tooth that could have been saved.

This page offers general first-aid guidance and is not a substitute for an examination. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate care.

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.