Dental Emergency in Scottsdale? We're Here to Help.

Dental Emergency in Scottsdale? Summer Travel Tips & What to Do Next

A chipped tooth. A dental crown that suddenly comes loose. A painful toothache that starts the night before your flight.

Dental emergencies never seem to happen at a convenient time.

If you're dealing with a dental emergency in Scottsdale, our team is here to help. We make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible so you can get out of pain and prevent the problem from getting worse. 

Even if you're not sure whether something is truly an emergency, give us a call. Sometimes a quick conversation or even a photo of what's going on is all we need to help you decide on the next step.

If you're visiting Scottsdale on vacation and experience a dental emergency while you're here, we're also happy to help. We know how stressful it can be to have something unexpected happen while you're away from home, and we'll do everything we can to get you comfortable again.

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What to Do Before You Panic

When something unexpected happens, it's easy to assume you need to find the nearest emergency room or the closest dentist right away.

In many cases, that's not your first step.

One of the biggest pieces of advice Dr. Kris Alpers shares is simple:

Don't panic. Contact your dentist first.

Whether you're at home or traveling, your dentist can often help you understand what's happening, explain how urgent it is, and tell you what to do next. Sometimes that means scheduling an appointment right away. Other times, it may simply mean protecting the tooth until you can be seen.

Recently, Dr. Alpers shared this advice on Arizona's Family 3TV about summer dental emergencies:

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Why Do Dental Emergencies Seem More Common During Summer?

It might seem like summer itself causes more dental emergencies, but that's usually not the whole story.

In many cases, there's already a tooth that's been weakened by a cavity, an old filling that's beginning to fail, or a crown that you've been meaning to replace. Then vacation comes along, your routine changes, and one small event is enough to push that tooth over the edge.

That's why Dr. Alpers often says it's not one big thing, it's lots of little things that add up.

Summer often means road trips, flights, late nights, different eating habits, and more time outdoors. Those changes can create the perfect conditions for dental problems.

You might notice things like:

• Increased stress while traveling, which can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Dehydration from Arizona's extreme summer heat or long days outside. Saliva is your mouth's natural defense, and when you're dehydrated, it's easier for bacteria to thrive.
• Flying with an existing toothache, which can make discomfort feel worse because of changes in cabin pressure.
• More sugary snacks, sports drinks, citrus drinks, and skipped brushing while you're on vacation.
• Chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, or eating hard foods that put extra stress on a tooth that's already weakened.

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If you've been putting off dental work that you know you need, it's worth taking care of it before your next vacation. A small issue that's manageable today is much less likely to become a dental emergency while you're away from home.

A Few Simple Habits Can Help You Avoid a Dental Emergency

The good news?

Many vacation dental emergencies are preventable.

A few small habits can go a long way:

• Drink plenty of water, especially during Arizona summers. Staying hydrated helps protect your teeth as well as the rest of your body.
• Don't chew ice, even if it's tempting on a hot day.
• Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Keep brushing and flossing, even if your schedule is different.
• If you grind your teeth at night, don't forget to pack your night guard.

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Sometimes it's the simplest habits that save you from an unexpected trip to the dentist.

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What Should You Do If You Have a Dental Emergency While Traveling?

If a crown comes off

Save the crown if you still have it.

Don't try to glue it back on yourself with household adhesives.

Instead, call your dentist. If you're in Scottsdale, give our office a call and we'll help you determine whether you should be seen right away or whether it's safe to wait. If it's a front tooth, we are specialized in handling those types of cosmetic dental emergencies.

If you chip or crack a tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on that side.

If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

If you have a toothache

Pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't right.

Even if the discomfort comes and goes, it's worth calling your dentist so the underlying problem can be identified before it gets worse.

If a tooth gets knocked out

This is one situation where time matters.

If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket without touching the root. If that's not possible, keep it in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately.

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When Should You Go to the Emergency Room Instead?

Most dental emergencies should be treated by a dentist, not an emergency room.

However, seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Significant facial swelling
• Trauma involving your jaw or face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A serious injury after an accident

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Even If You're Traveling, Call Your Dentist First

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you immediately need to find the closest emergency dentist wherever you are.

Sometimes that's true.

But many times, your own dentist can help you first.

At our office, we're regularly communicating with patients by phone and text. If you're away from Scottsdale, you may be able to send us a photo of what's happening so we can help you understand whether you need immediate treatment or whether the problem can safely wait until you're home.

Having someone you trust walk you through the situation can make a stressful moment feel much more manageable.

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Need Help With a Dental Emergency in Scottsdale?

If you're in pain, have damaged a tooth, or aren't sure what to do next, don't wait.

Our team is here to help you get answers quickly and, when needed, schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Whether your emergency happened at home, on vacation, or after you returned to Scottsdale, we're happy to help you get your smile back on track.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergency in Scottsdale: