How We Handle Dental Emergencies
The best place to start is by calling our office to speak with a member of Dr. Goodman’s team. After determining the severity of your issue over the phone, we’ll find a time for you to come in for treatment and discuss helpful ways to manage any pain while you wait at home.
After arriving for your appointment, we’ll quickly escort you to a treatment room and take images of your mouth before targeting the source of the pain. After reviewing the scans and related findings, Dr. Goodman will draft a treatment plan and discuss it with you before administering the necessary solution(s) to improve the health of your smile.
Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dr. Goodman sees dental emergencies of all kinds. Below are some of the most common emergencies we see in office. If you have questions about any of these injuries, don’t hesitate to contact our office for further help.
Toothache
Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency? If you are struggling with a painful toothache in Goodyear, then
you should call our team at Goodman Dental. That way, we can learn more about your symptoms and, if necessary,
schedule an emergency appointment at our office.
How You Should Handle a Toothache: Rinsing with warm saltwater, sticking to soft foods, and not
chewing on that side of your mouth can help alleviate your symptoms temporarily. You can also take OTC pain
medication as directed. Just make sure to follow the directions on the label.
How We Treat Toothaches: First, we need to learn about your symptoms, take the necessary X-rays, and
complete a comprehensive oral exam. Once we’ve pinpointed the cause of your toothache, we can discuss your
treatment options and help you decide which one is ideal for you.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
Chipped
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? That depends. If the chip is so small that you aren’t
experiencing any sensitivity, soreness, or discomfort, then scheduling an appointment within the next few days
should suffice. Of course, if the chip is substantial or you’re in pain, then you shouldn’t hesitate to
schedule an emergency visit.
How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth: There are a few steps we recommend taking, starting with
rinsing your mouth gently with clean, room-temperature water. Then, use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover your
tooth (this will help prevent sensitivity as well as a soft tissue injury).
How We Treat Chipped Teeth: There are a few ways we can restore the missing structure of your
tooth, including cosmetic bonding or a veneer. Ultimately, the treatment we recommend for you will depend on several
factors, including the size of the chip.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COSMETIC BONDING
LEARN MORE ABOUT VENEERS
Cracked Tooth
Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency? Yes, a cracked tooth is absolutely a dental emergency. So,
it’s important that you call us ASAP. The sooner you do, the sooner Dr. Goodman can provide the necessary
restorative care, alleviating any pain you’re experiencing in the process.
How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth: In addition to scheduling an emergency appointment at our
office, we recommend not chewing on that side of your mouth, avoiding crunchy and sticky foods entirely, and
periodically rinsing your mouth with clean, room-temperature water.
How We Treat Cracked Teeth: Our goal is always to save your natural teeth. However, there are
some cases where the damage is so severe that our only option is to perform an extraction. If that’s the case
for you, then we will also discuss the different tooth-replacement solutions that are available, like dental
implants.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS
Very Sensitive Teeth
Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Not usually. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you’re experiencing dental sensitivity in tandem with other warning signs of trouble, like pain when biting down, then you should schedule an emergency appointment with Dr. Caleb Goodman.
How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth: If you haven’t already, try switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to avoid anything that could exacerbate your discomfort, like hot coffee. Instead, stick to room-temperature water, avoid spicy and acidic foods, and, if needed, take OTC pain medication as directed.
How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth: In order to determine the answer, we need to first determine the root of the problem. For some, it’s a cavity that requires a dental crown. For others, it’s an infection in the gums, which warrants gum disease treatment. Rest assured, we will share our findings and discuss all of your treatment options during your visit. That way, you can confidently decide how you’d like to proceed.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since it only takes about 15 minutes for the tooth to start to die, the answer is a resounding “yes!” So, don’t wait – call us right away to schedule an emergency appointment at our office (ideally within 30 minutes).
How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth: First, you should locate the tooth, pick it up by the crown, and place it back in its socket. If the last step requires force, then put it in a clean container filled with milk or saline solution instead. Then, come to our office so we can provide the necessary restorative care.
How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth: Ideally, we’ll be able to save your lost tooth at our Goodyear dental office. Unfortunately, however, there are some cases where that’s not an option. If that happens, then we will need to discuss the different tooth-replacement solutions that are available, like dental implants.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS
Lost Filling or Crown
Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Coming to our office the same day isn’t always necessary. With that said, your tooth is vulnerable to damage without the restoration securely in place. So, the sooner you can schedule an appointment, the better.
How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown: In addition to scheduling an appointment with us, we recommend placing your restoration in a small, clean container for safekeeping and not chewing on that side of your mouth. If you’re experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort, you can take OTC pain medication as directed, too.
How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns: That depends! If you lost a dental filling, then Dr. Goodman can replace it with a new one. If a dental crown fell out, but it’s in good shape, then he may recommend re-cementing it back into place instead.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
