Robert Baker Dentistry provides emergency dental care in Mesa, Arizona, to get your oral health and smile back on track. When you experience a dental emergency of any kind, please call our team at 480-461-9944 as soon as possible. We will schedule an emergency appointment for you and provide you with instructions on what to do until you can arrive at our office and receive treatment. Our dentist and team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care from our dentist and team to resolve. As the success of many emergency treatments depends on how quickly you receive treatment after the injury, we encourage you to call our office as soon as possible so that you can receive the care you need.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe, lasting toothaches or other types of tooth pain
- A lost dental restoration, such as a lost filling or crown
- Damage to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips and gums
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A chipped or broken tooth
- A partially or fully knocked-out tooth
Seeking medical care
If you sustain head or neck trauma, a broken jaw or another serious or potentially life-threatening injury, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room before seeking dental treatment, even if you may also need to receive care from our dentist.
Emergency care instructions
Dental emergencies can occur in all types of situations, from bad falls, playing a sport or a bike or car accident. Here are a few things you can do to take care of the injury before you arrive at our office for treatment:
Bleeding, Discomfort or Broken Appliances
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce bacteria and soothe the affected area. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain until you can see our dentist. Avoid using aspirin directly on the gums or teeth as it may cause irritation. Do not attempt to fix dental appliances or dislodged teeth by yourself; leave it to the professionals.
Chipped or Fractured Teeth
If you chip or fracture a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If possible, save any broken tooth fragments. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Visit our dentist promptly to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include bonding, a dental crown or other restorative measures.
Dislodged or Loosened Teeth
If a tooth becomes dislodged or loosened due to an injury, try to gently reposition it back into its original position, if possible. Do not force the tooth. Bite down on a clean gauze or cloth to keep it in place until you reach our dentist. Time is critical in such cases, so seek professional help immediately. Dr. Baker may splint the tooth to neighboring teeth or recommend other suitable treatments based on the severity of the injury.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If a tooth is knocked out completely, handle it by the crown (the chewing surface) and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, making sure it faces the right way. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk or a special tooth preservation solution and get to our dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Losing a filling or crown can be painful and expose the sensitive part of the tooth to air and temperature changes. While waiting to see our dentist you can use over-the-counter dental cement or sugarless gum to temporarily cover the exposed area. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the lost filling or crown to prevent further damage. Make sure to visit our office promptly to have the filling or crown replaced and prevent any complications.
Toothaches
Toothaches can be caused by various factors, including dental decay, infection or gum disease. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Gently floss around the affected tooth to ensure no food particles are trapped. Avoid placing aspirin or any painkiller directly on the gums, as it may cause irritation. Visit our dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and address the underlying cause of the toothache to prevent it from worsening.
Schedule An Emergency Appointment
Contact our team as soon as possible to make your emergency appointment with Dr. Robert Baker and receive the care you need to regain your smile and oral health!