Question 1

What is considered a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain that over-the-counter painkillers cannot control, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a dental abscess with swelling or fever, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, a loose or displaced tooth after trauma, and a lost crown or filling leaving the tooth exposed. If you are in significant pain or something in your mouth has clearly changed suddenly, it is worth calling to check.

Question 2

Can I get a same-day appointment for a dental emergency in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We keep appointment slots open every day specifically for dental emergencies. Call 520-317-6362 as early in the day as you can. Most patients are seen within a few hours of calling.

Question 3

How much does an emergency dental visit cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

An emergency exam and X-ray typically costs between $75 and $200. Beyond the initial exam, costs depend on the treatment needed. A simple extraction might run $150 to $300. A root canal ranges from $500 to $1,000 depending on the tooth. We always discuss costs before starting any treatment so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 4

Do you accept dental insurance for emergency visits?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Healthcare, and many others. Call us with your insurance details and we will verify your coverage before your appointment.

Question 5

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Accepted Answer

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white chewing surface), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue attached to it. Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there with gentle pressure. If that is not possible, keep it in a cup of milk or tuck it between your cheek and gum. Then call 520-317-6362 immediately. The first 30 to 60 minutes are the window for successful reimplantation.

Question 6

Should I go to the emergency room or an emergency dentist?

Accepted Answer

For dental problems, an emergency dentist is almost always the better option. Emergency rooms can prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, but they cannot perform dental procedures like extractions, root canals, or splinting a loose tooth. You will likely be referred to a dentist afterward anyway, which adds time and cost. The exception is if you have difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or suspected broken facial bones. Those situations need an ER.

Question 7

What do I do about a broken tooth on the weekend?

Accepted Answer

We are open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Call 520-317-6362 and we will get you in. If you break a tooth on Sunday, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter ibuprofen for pain, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks. Then call us Monday morning as soon as we open.

Question 8

How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?

Accepted Answer

A toothache is an emergency if the pain is severe and constant (not just a dull ache that comes and goes), if there is visible swelling in your gums or face, if you have a fever along with tooth pain, if the pain keeps you from sleeping or eating, or if there is a bad taste in your mouth (which can indicate an abscess draining). Mild, intermittent tooth sensitivity that responds to over-the-counter painkillers can usually wait for a regular appointment.

Question 9

Can a dental abscess be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw, head, and neck. In rare cases, it can enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening. Signs of a spreading infection include fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and facial swelling that worsens rapidly. If you suspect an abscess, do not wait. Call 520-317-6362 or, if you have difficulty breathing or a high fever, go to the nearest emergency room.

Question 10

What are your office hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. For dental emergencies during our hours, call 520-317-6362 and we will work to see you the same day.

Question 11

Do you treat children with dental emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We treat dental emergencies in patients of all ages, including children. Chipped teeth from falls, knocked-out baby teeth, and toothaches in kids are all situations we handle regularly. If your child is in dental pain, call us and we will see them as quickly as possible.

Question 12

What payment options do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We accept most dental insurance plans, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), CareCredit dental financing, and cash. For larger treatments, we offer payment plans so you can spread the cost over several months. We always discuss costs before treatment begins.

Dental Emergency Questions, Answered

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