A dental emergency can hit you at the worst time. Like when you’re about to leave for vacation, the night before your wedding, or on the way to a big job interview. While we can’t prevent the actual emergency, Dr. Babak Behbahani and the staff of Central Valley Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona are here to help you get through it – fast.
When is it Considered an Emergency?
Sometimes a problem that may seem like an emergency can actually wait to be addressed during regular business hours. If waiting to get treatment puts your health at risk, increases your chances of having to lose the tooth in question, prevents you from eating, or keeps you from wanting to be seen by others due to a cosmetic issue, then you should seek dental care right away. More specifically, here are some conditions that warrant emergency dental care in Phoenix:
- Swelling of the gums, face or neck
- Fever
- Broken jaw or other jaw issues
- A severely bitten tongue
- Loose tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe pain
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- A broken or chipped tooth
- A lost restoration on a tooth that shows when you smile
What to do in The Event of a Dental Emergency
When a dental emergency strikes, try your best to stay calm. Contact our emergency dentist in Phoenix, and then you may want to do something about the following issues:
Tooth pain – For toothaches you can take an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol, Motrin, or Aleve. Anti-inflammatories are best. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the area of the toothache as this can cause a chemical burn.
Temperature Sensitivity – If temperature bothers you, then avoid extreme heat and cold in drinks or food. To prevent sensitivity when breathing in air, cover your mouth with a scarf or something similar.
Discomfort When Chewing – If your pain occurs when you apply pressure, then chew on the other side of your mouth or eat soft things like pudding or mashed potatoes until you can get to our office.
Lost Filling or Crown – If your emergency is due to losing a filling, you can place a cotton ball in the area to prevent your vulnerable tooth from being exposed. If a crown has come off, you can try to slip it back on your tooth. There’s a product available over the counter that’s called “temporary filling material” which also doubles as a temporary cement that you can use to replace both fillings and crowns until you get to the dentist’s office.
Pus with Swelling – If your gum tissue, face or neck are swollen and you have a bad taste in your mouth then you may be draining pus. Pus and swelling may be relieved by gently pushing on the area to help the infection drain more.
A Knocked-Out Tooth – If possible, slip the tooth back in the socket. If not, put the tooth in a cup of milk and come see us right away. Re-implantation of a natural tooth is sometimes possible but it’s a very time-sensitive matter.
We’re Here for You
We stand behind our patients’ needs. If you ever experience a dental emergency and require immediate assistance, call Dr. Babak Behbahani, our emergency dentist in Phoenix, Arizona.
