Summer in Winslow means more time outside, more sports, more road trips, and, every so often, a dental disaster nobody planned for. A kid takes an elbow at the pool. A popcorn kernel cracks a molar on movie night. Whatever it is, the first few minutes matter, especially if a tooth gets knocked out. The quick version: a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, serious pain, or real swelling all count as emergencies, and you should call us right away. We keep room in the schedule for them and offer a free limited emergency exam so we can get you seen and get you out of pain. Save the number now: (928) 289-3738.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Some stuff can wait for a regular appointment. Some can not. Call us right away for a knocked-out or loose tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, pain that is severe or getting worse, swelling in your mouth or face, or bleeding that will not stop. Not sure which bucket you are in? Call anyway. We would much rather talk it through than have you sitting at home wondering.

If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out

This is the one where minutes truly count. Move fast and there is a real chance we can save the tooth.

• Pick it up by the crown, the white chewing part. Do not touch the root.
• If it is dirty, rinse it with water for a second or two. Do not scrub it, and do not pick off any tissue.
• If you can, slip it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it there.
• Can not reinsert it? Tuck it in a cup of milk, or hold it in your cheek. Plain water is the last resort.
• Call us immediately, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse with warm water and hold a cold compress to your cheek to keep the swelling down. Save any pieces you find. Steer clear of chewing on that side and call us to get in as soon as we can fit you. Even a tiny chip is worth a look, because a small crack has a way of becoming a big one.

Toothache or a Lost Filling

For a toothache, rinse with warm water and floss gently around it in case something is stuck. Skip the old trick of resting an aspirin on the gum, since it can actually burn the tissue. If the pain is bad or hangs around more than a day or two, call. Lost a filling or crown? Keep the area clean and reach out. We can usually get it sorted quickly.

Heading Off Emergencies This Summer

A little prevention saves a lot of panic. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and the rough-and-tumble stuff. Lay off chewing ice and hard candy. And please, stop using your teeth to rip open packaging. Staying current on checkups helps too, since we can catch a weak spot before it turns into a Saturday-night emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it still an emergency if it does not hurt?

It can be. A knocked-out or broken tooth needs quick attention even without much pain, because waiting lowers the odds of saving it and opens the door to infection. When in doubt, call.

Should I just go to the ER?

For most dental emergencies, a dentist is who you want. Head to the ER for serious facial trauma, bleeding you can not control, or trouble breathing or swallowing, then follow up with us.

How fast can you see me?

We do everything we can to see emergencies the same day. Call, tell us what happened, and we will prioritize you.

How do I take the edge off until I get there?

Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress for swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Skip very hot, cold, or hard foods in the meantime.

Dental Emergency in Winslow? Call Right Away

When something goes wrong with your teeth, fast help makes all the difference. Dental Innovations is here for Winslow when it counts. Reach our team at (928) 289-3738, and we will get you taken care of.