What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can be distressing and uncomfortable, but knowing how to recognize and handle them can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Dr. Perno and our dedicated team at Highrise Dental are here to guide you through your emergency and provide you with the exceptional care you deserve!

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation requiring immediate care to alleviate pain, save a damaged tooth, treat an infection, or stop bleeding. If you or a family member experience a dental emergency, don’t wait. Please call our office at 602-230-1161 for immediate assistance.

Our team at Highrise Dental is happy to offer care to patients in and around Phoenix, even if you are not currently our patient. If you experience a dental emergency, we’ll take care of you as soon as possible.

Note: If you or a loved one has uncontrollable bleeding or are dealing with a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for assistance or head to your nearest hospital emergency room.

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

Some common dental emergencies include the following:

  • Toothache: Persistent or severe tooth pain can indicate an underlying problem, such as an infection or cavity. Use over-the-counter pain relief medication and cold compresses to ease your discomfort, and call us to schedule an emergency appointment.
  • Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse with warm water and use cold compresses to relieve discomfort or swelling. Collect any pieces of the affected tooth and bring them to your emergency appointment.
  • Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Handle the tooth by its crown and rinse it carefully in clean water without touching the root. Try to return it to its socket or carry it in some milk. The sooner you seek emergency care, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
  • Tooth infection: Signs of an infection include pain, a bump on the gums indicating an abscess, facial swelling, and fever. A tooth infection can spread to the neighboring teeth and enter the bloodstream, posing a serious risk to your health. Call us immediately for an emergency appointment.
  • Lost Filling or Crown: Losing a filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth structure, leading to sensitivity and discomfort. Use dental adhesive or sugar-free gum to keep your restoration in place, and contact us to schedule an appointment.
  • Soft Tissue Injury: Place pressure using a clean cloth or gauze to help stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable, please head to the nearest emergency room.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Here are ways you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies:

  • Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can prevent dental emergencies later on.
  • Maintain Routine Dental Visits: Visit Highrise Dental for routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Perno and our dedicated team are proponents of prevention to halt the onset or progression of dental disease, preventing emergencies down the road.
  • Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth in your sleep or are into sports, wear a protective night guard or sports mouthguard. Prevention is key to lowering the risk of dental emergencies.

Dental Emergency Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Dental emergencies can be stressful, and we at Highrise Dental are here to help. In the event you or a loved one experience a dental emergency, call 602-230-1161 for assistance. You can always count on Dr. Perno and our dedicated team for exceptional, compassionate care!

By Dr. Dana Perno, DDS | 14-March-2024