Emergency Dental Services — Frequently Asked Questions

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, treat infection, or prevent permanent damage. Emergencies may involve trauma, infection, or sudden symptoms that cannot wait for a routine visit.

Common dental emergencies we treat include:

• Severe toothache or dental pain
• Knocked-out or loose tooth
• Cracked, fractured, or broken tooth
• Infected or abscessed tooth
• Excessive gum bleeding or swelling
• Broken crowns or fillings
• Jaw, face, or gum swelling
• Impacted wisdom tooth pain
• Lost or broken dental appliances

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us—we’re happy to guide you.

Act quickly. Gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing it. If possible, place it back in the socket. If not, store it in a glass of milk or a tooth preservation solution. Call Arizona Dental immediately. A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved if treated within 30 to 60 minutes.

A severe or persistent toothache may indicate infection or deep decay. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth. Contact us promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Hospitals can manage pain and infections, but they do not perform dental procedures. Unless your condition is life-threatening—such as severe trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or difficulty breathing—it’s best to contact your dentist. We provide same-day emergency appointments to treat the root cause of the problem.

If a crown or filling falls out, your tooth is exposed and vulnerable to pain and further damage. Keep the restoration if possible, avoid chewing on that side, and call us for a same-day visit. We can re-cement the crown or replace the filling to protect your tooth.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection in the tooth or gum. Symptoms may include:

• Severe, throbbing pain
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Fever
• Bad taste or odor
• A visible bump on the gum

An abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. Call us right away if you suspect one.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency procedures when they are medically necessary. Our team will help verify your benefits and review payment options before treatment. If you’re uninsured, we offer financing options and flexible payment plans to make urgent care accessible.

While not all emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
• Treating small problems before they worsen
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports
• Avoiding using your teeth as tools
• Addressing pain or discomfort early

Arizona Dental offers extended hours and same-day emergency appointments. If you experience a dental emergency outside regular hours, contact your nearest location to check availability. We do our best to accommodate urgent cases quickly and efficiently.

We understand that dental emergencies can be overwhelming—especially if you feel anxious about dental visits. Our team provides gentle care in a calm environment and offers sedation options when appropriate to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.