We’re here to help when dental emergencies strike. Dental emergencies like knocked-out teeth, severe pain, or infections need fast treatment to prevent bigger problems. That’s why we offer same-day emergency care as part of our general dental services. Acting quickly can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth and stopping pain at the source.
Putting off emergency dental care often makes things worse. The sooner you call us, the better we can help protect your smile and stop small problems from becoming bigger issues. Whether it’s a broken tooth or sudden swelling, our team is ready to provide the urgent care you need.
Call 520-660-5666 with your emergency and we will get you in as soon as possible. Dr. Jennifer Mohr is an emergency dentist in Tucson, AZ.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and often when you least expect them. Knowing how to handle these situations can significantly improve the outcome.
Toothache
A toothache is one of the most common reasons people look for emergency dental care. Cavities, gum disease, or an abscess can cause toothaches, but that’s just the common reasons. At home, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling until your appointment. If your toothache is severe and debilitating, call Dr. Mohr as soon as possible.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
An injury, biting on something hard, or decay can crack or break a tooth. If you break or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and try to save any pieces of the tooth. Avoid chewing on the affected side and immediately call Dr. Mohr.
If the damage isn’t causing any pain, we will schedule you for a regular appointment. If you have severe sensitivity, bleeding or pain, we might have you come in as soon as possible. Treatment options may include bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that needs immediate action. If a tooth gets knocked out, try to find the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saliva without scrubbing and try to place it back in its socket.
If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a container of milk, saliva, or saline solution. Call Dr. Mohr within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. We may be able to surgically reattach it, or replace it. If not, we will suggest replacement options.
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Preparing for Dental Emergencies
You never know when a dental emergency might happen, so it’s smart to be ready. Putting together a simple emergency dental kit can help you act fast if a tooth gets knocked out, cracked, or starts hurting badly. Here’s what to keep in yours:
- Gauze to control bleeding.
- A small container with a lid to save a knocked-out tooth.
- Saline solution to rinse a tooth or mouth injury.
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen. Never put aspirin directly on your gums.
- Your dentist’s emergency phone number. Save ours: 520-660-5666.
Keep your kit in a place you’ll remember, like your medicine cabinet or glove compartment. Quick action can save a tooth and prevent bigger problems.
Knowing When to Get Emergency Dental Care
Not every dental issue is an emergency, so knowing when to ask for immediate help is key. Severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, and knocked-out teeth are clear signs that you need emergency care. In some cases, like difficulty breathing or severe facial swelling, calling 911 is much better. If you’re unsure, contact Dr. Mohr at our Tucson, AZ, office for guidance.
Some dental issues don’t need immediate attention. These include minor toothaches, small chips in the teeth, and slight sensitivity. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mohr at your earliest convenience, and we’ll schedule you to address these issues.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Anyone can experience a dental emergency. Learn more below.
Can I go to a hospital emergency room for a dental problem?
ERs are staffed by medical doctors, not dentists, and lack the specialized equipment for definitive dental treatments like fillings, root canals, or permanent repairs . Their role is to manage life-threatening conditions, such as severe infections that block your airway, treat facial fractures, control excessive bleeding, and provide antibiotics or pain medication to stabilize you until you can see a dentist . For a knocked-out tooth, an ER can clean the wound and give you a tetanus shot, but they cannot re-implant it.
How can I manage severe dental pain at home while I wait to see the dentist?
While waiting for your emergency appointment, you can take several steps to manage pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol are often recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort . Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10-minute intervals can help numb the area and reduce swelling. Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine can provide temporary, targeted relief directly to the sore tooth or gum.
What is a dental abscess, and why is it so dangerous?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting from severe tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or advanced gum disease. It is dangerous because the infection can spread from the root of the tooth to the surrounding bone and soft tissues of the face and neck. Symptoms include throbbing pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can become systemic and life-threatening, potentially leading to sepsis.
Is a broken tooth always an emergency?
Not always, but it depends on the severity. A small chip that doesn’t cause pain or expose the inner layers of the tooth is usually not an emergency, though you should still schedule an appointment for a cosmetic repair. However, a broken tooth becomes an emergency if the break is severe, causes extreme pain, exposes the nerve (often appearing as a red dot or causing sensitivity to air), or has sharp edges that are lacerating your tongue or cheek.
How can I tell if tooth pain is just a small cavity or a serious infection?
The nature of the pain is a key indicator. Mild, occasional sensitivity to sweets or cold that goes away quickly might suggest a small cavity. However, a serious infection or abscess typically causes persistent, throbbing pain that may keep you awake at night. The pain might also radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck. If the pain is severe, constant, accompanied by swelling in your face or gums, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it likely requires urgent care.
What is the difference between a cracked tooth and a broken tooth in terms of urgency?
While both require attention, the urgency can differ. A broken tooth implies a piece of the tooth structure has been lost. This is generally urgent, especially if the break is large or painful. A cracked tooth may have a hairline fracture that isn’t immediately visible. This can be an emergency if the crack extends deep into the tooth, causing sharp pain when chewing or extreme sensitivity to temperature. A cracked tooth can sometimes be saved if treated quickly, but if the crack extends below the gum line into the root, it may require extraction.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked loose, but doesn’t fall all the way out?
This is still an urgent situation requiring prompt dental care. You should usimmediately for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you can very gently try to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment with light finger pressure, but do not force it. You can then bite down very softly to help keep it in place. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Is a knocked-out baby tooth a dental emergency?
Yes, even though baby teeth are temporary. You should not attempt to re-implant a knocked-out baby tooth, as this can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath it . Find the tooth to ensure your child hasn’t inhaled it. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to the socket to control any bleeding. Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. The dentist needs to examine the area to ensure no fragments remain and that the underlying permanent tooth hasn’t been damaged.
Is a terrible taste in my mouth a dental emergency if there’s no pain?
A persistent foul taste in your mouth, even without pain, often indicates an active infection or abscess that is draining. The bad taste is the pus from the infection draining into your mouth. While the lack of pain might make it seem less urgent, the underlying infection is still present and can continue to destroy bone and tissue. It could also be a sign of a severe gum infection or a dying nerve inside a tooth.
Does insurance cover emergency dentistry?
Yes, dental insurance typically does cover emergency dentistry, but the level of coverage depends on your specific plan. Most plans cover emergency exams, X-rays, and palliative treatment to relieve pain, often categorizing these under basic services. However, you will likely still be responsible for your copay, deductible, and any coinsurance, just as you would for a routine procedure.
Visit Mohr Smiles Today
When a dental emergency happens, call our local emergency dentist at 520-660-5666. Dr. Jennifer Mohr offers emergency dental services in Tucson to residents of Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Vail, and surrounding communities. Dr. Jennifer Mohr and our clinic is well-prepared to provide effective and professional emergency services.