Emergency Dentistry
Phoenix & North Scottsdale
 Dental emergencies often strike when you least expect them—whether from an accident, sports injury, or a sudden flare-up of an existing dental condition. At Jerome Riddle DDS, we provide emergency dentistry with same-day appointment availability to quickly relieve pain, prevent further complications, and protect your smile. Acting fast can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Our office reserves time each day specifically for urgent cases. If you’re experiencing dental trauma, swelling, or intense pain, our team is prepared to perform a thorough evaluation and provide immediate treatment to stabilize your condition.
Call 480-991-4410 today!
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
We treat a wide variety of urgent dental issues, including the following:
Broken or Lost Fillings
A broken filling leaves your tooth vulnerable to bacteria and further decay. We can repair or replace the filling to restore function and protect against infection.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. Follow these steps before arriving:
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Keep the Tooth Moist - Place it gently back in the socket or in milk if reinsertion isn’t possible.
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Handle by the Crown - Avoid touching the root to protect delicate tissues.
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Seek Care Quickly - The sooner you are treated, ideally within one hour, the better the chance of saving the tooth. |
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Even small chips can progress if ignored. Depending on severity, we may restore your tooth with dental bonding or a dental crown to protect structure and improve appearance.
Severe Tooth Pain
Intense tooth pain may signal infection, nerve involvement, or advanced decay. After diagnostic imaging and evaluation, we may recommend treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy.
Dental Abscesses and Infections
A dental abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. Abscess treatment usually includes draining the infection and addressing the source with a root canal or extraction. Left untreated, infections can spread and endanger overall health.
Excessive Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or injuries to the gums, lips, tongue, or cheeks can result in heavy bleeding. We provide wound care, bleeding control, and repair of related dental damage.
Tooth Sensitivity or Sudden Discomfort
While sometimes minor, sudden tooth sensitivity may indicate cavities, cracks, or gum issues. Early evaluation helps prevent escalation.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
When you arrive, our priority is to relieve pain and stabilize your condition. You can expect a same-day evaluation that may include X-rays, a diagnosis, and immediate treatment options. Our team ensures you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Managing Dental Emergencies Before You Arrive
If you can’t reach our office right away, take these steps:
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Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
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Apply a cold compress to control swelling.
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
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For bleeding, apply steady pressure with clean gauze. |
These are temporary measures only—professional treatment is still necessary.
Aftercare and Recovery Guidance
After emergency treatment, you may need to adjust diet, avoid strenuous activity, and take prescribed medications. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your healing. You’ll also receive written instructions to guide you through recovery at home.
Escalation Path – When to Go to the ER
Most emergencies can be treated in our office, but hospital care may be required if you experience:
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Severe swelling affecting breathing or vision.
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Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 10 minutes.
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Head or neck trauma in addition to dental injury. |
In these cases, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You can’t prevent every emergency, but these steps lower your risk:
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Wear a Sports Guard - Protect teeth during contact or high-impact activities.
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Use a Night Guard - Prevent damage from teeth grinding.
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Maintain Regular Checkups - Catch small issues before they escalate.
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene - Daily brushing, flossing, and avoiding harmful habits like chewing ice. |
Our Commitment to Accessibility & Safety
Our facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and we offer sedation dentistry and communication assistance for patients with special needs. We follow CDC and OSHA guidelines for infection control, ensuring safe, reliable care in every situation.
Costs & Payment Options for Emergency Dentistry
The cost of emergency treatment depends on the severity of your case and the care required. Contact our office for current pricing, financing plans, and insurance acceptance. Our team can help confirm coverage and explain available payment options.
Checklists for Patients
Before You Arrive for Emergency Visit
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Bring a knocked-out tooth or crown stored properly.
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Note your symptoms, pain level, and onset time.
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Bring your medication list and insurance card. |
After Emergency Treatment
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Take medications as prescribed.
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Avoid hot or cold foods until sensitivity subsides.
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Apply ice packs for swelling.
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Schedule and attend follow-up visits. |
Contingency – If Pain Persists After Treatment
If pain continues after emergency care, contact our office immediately. If swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing develops, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. We coordinate with local hospitals when advanced care is needed.
Risk-Reversal Promise
We are committed to ensuring every emergency visit provides relief and stability. If further treatment is required, we clearly outline all options and costs upfront, so you never face unexpected charges.
Exit & Portability of Records
If you relocate or change providers, we provide full copies of your emergency records and treatment notes, ensuring your care continues smoothly with your new dentist.
FAQs
Is a chipped tooth always an emergency?
Not always, but it should be evaluated quickly to prevent worsening damage.
How quickly do I need to act for a knocked-out tooth?
Ideally within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Can I go back to work after emergency treatment?
It depends on the treatment—some procedures allow a same-day return, while extractions or complex care may require rest.
What if I can’t reach the dentist right away?
Keep the tooth moist, control pain and swelling with basic first aid, and contact our office as soon as possible.
Do dental infections spread?
Yes, untreated infections can spread to the jaw, bloodstream, or other parts of the body, posing serious health risks.
Are emergency visits safe for pregnant patients?
Yes, but treatment is tailored to minimize risks. Always inform your dentist if you are pregnant.
Can I drive after an emergency visit?
If sedation was used, arrange for a driver. Otherwise, most patients can drive themselves safely.
Do you treat children in emergencies?
Yes, we provide pediatric emergency dental care for children of all ages.
What’s the difference between an ER and an emergency dentist?
ERs handle life-threatening issues, while emergency dentists treat oral injuries, severe pain, and infections.
How do I know if tooth pain is serious?
Persistent, throbbing pain that disrupts daily life usually indicates a serious issue requiring urgent care.
What happens if my crown falls off?
Keep the crown safe, avoid chewing on that side, and schedule an appointment for immediate repair.
Can most dental emergencies be prevented?
Yes—regular checkups, wearing mouthguards, and practicing good oral hygiene greatly reduce the risk of emergencies.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
Costs vary depending on the treatment needed. Call our office at 480-991-4410 for details on pricing and available financing options.
Do you accept my insurance?
Please provide your plan details when calling, and our team will confirm coverage for your emergency visit.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans, including CareCredit and in-house options for qualified patients.
Are after-hours or weekend emergencies available?
Availability varies—call our office at 480-991-4410 to check for after-hours or weekend emergency care.
Schedule Your Emergency Appointment Now!
If you are in the midst of a dental emergency, we can help! Call 480-991-4410 to schedule your emergency appointment now! |
