Dental emergencies have terrible timing. A molar cracks on a Friday night pizza crust. Your teenager takes a basketball to the face at a Saturday tournament. A dull ache you’ve been ignoring turns into a throbbing toothache that won’t let you sleep.
When it happens, you need two things: to know what to do right now, and to know who to call. Here’s the plan every Chandler household should have.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Call your dentist right away if you have:
- A knocked-out or loosened adult tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth, especially with pain
- A severe or throbbing toothache
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
- A pimple-like bump on your gums, which can signal an abscess
- A lost filling or crown with pain or sharp edges
- Bleeding that won’t stop after a dental procedure
Smaller issues, like a tiny chip without pain or a slightly loose filling, can usually wait for the next available appointment. If you’re not sure, call. We’d rather hear from you.
When to Go to the ER
Some situations need hospital care first. Go to the nearest emergency dental room or call 911 if you have swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, or a possible broken jaw. Once you’re stable, we’ll help with the dental side.
First Aid That Can Save a Tooth
Knocked-out tooth. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse it with milk or water if it’s dirty, without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If you can’t, store it in milk and get to a dentist immediately. The best chance of saving the tooth is within about an hour.
Broken tooth. Rinse with warm water, save any pieces, and apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
Toothache. Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove anything stuck. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if it’s safe for you. Don’t put aspirin directly on your gums, since it can burn the tissue. Home remedies can take the edge off, but they don’t treat the cause.
Lost crown. Keep it safe and bring it with you. Dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it temporarily. Never use household glue.
Why Waiting Makes Things Worse
Tooth pain is often a sign of deep decay or an infection reaching the nerve. It rarely improves on its own. Waiting can turn a simple filling into a root canal, or a root canal into an extraction. An untreated infection can also spread. Getting seen quickly usually means a smaller, more affordable fix.
Why Saturday Hours Matter
Many dental offices close for the whole weekend. Provinces Dental is open Saturdays from 7am to 2pm, which means a Friday night emergency doesn’t have to become a miserable weekend. We’re also open early, starting at 7am on weekdays.
For many broken teeth, our in-office CEREC technology lets us design and place a permanent crown the same day, so you can leave with your tooth fully restored instead of wearing a temporary.
What Happens When You Call
Our team will ask about your symptoms and get you in as quickly as possible. At your visit, we’ll take X-rays, find the source of the problem, and get you out of pain first. Then we’ll explain your options, whether that’s bonding, a filling, a crown, or a root canal, so you can make a decision without pressure.
Dr. Jonathan Bergloff has been treating Chandler patients at Provinces Dental since 2005 and is known for his gentle, calming approach, which is especially welcome when you’re in pain.
Save Our Number Today
Contact our “Dentist” right now, so you’re ready if a dental emergency strikes in Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, or Sun Lakes. We’re at 1070 E Ray Rd, Suite 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a same-day emergency appointment?
We do our best to see emergency patients the same day. Call as early as possible so we can fit you in.
Are you open on weekends for emergencies?
We’re open Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. Outside of office hours, call our office for guidance. For severe swelling or trouble breathing, go to the ER.
What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Don’t put a baby tooth back in, because it can damage the adult tooth underneath. Control the bleeding with gentle pressure and call us.
Will insurance cover an emergency visit?
Most dental plans cover emergency exams and X-rays and part of the treatment. We’ll help you understand your benefits.
