Dental Emergencies Q & A
Take a moment to read through our answers to common questions about our dental emergency services in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, AZ:
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Visit your dentist as quickly as you can if you have a cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth. Persistent pain in your tooth is also an emergency, as it could be an infection called an abscess. Complications after oral surgery would also be a reason to come in. When in doubt whether something is an emergency, call Dr. Ngo and tell him your symptoms or what happened, and we can tell you if it’s an emergency and what steps to take.
What Should I Do If I Have a Knocked-Out Tooth?
Touching the crown and not the root, pick up your tooth and gently rinse it in warm water to remove dirt or sediment. If able, place your tooth back in its socket to keep it from drying out. If you’re unable to do that, wrap the tooth in clean gauze and place it in milk or your own saliva to keep it moist while on your way to see us. The survival rate of teeth is most successful when you come in within 60 minutes of the incident.
What If My Tooth Is Pushed Out of Position?
Apply very light pressure to push it back to its normal position and bite down to keep the tooth in place until you arrive to see the dentist.
What If I Have a Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ngo immediately, and while you wait, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack and ibuprofen to reduce any pain or swelling. Avoid aspirin, as it will make you bleed more than you normally would.
What Can I Do to Avoid a Dental Emergency?
You can lessen the chances with a few precautions, including wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports, avoiding biting down on hard foods and candies, and keeping an emergency kit on hand. That should include a handkerchief and gauze, a small container with a lid, and ibuprofen. We’re ready to help patients of any age with dental emergency services in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, AZ. If you or your family experience dental pain or injury, be sure to call Dr. Ngo at S&L Dental right away!
