2240 Grande Blvd SE Suite 101 Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Dental Emergencies Don't Wait and Neither Do We
A dental emergency can happen to anyone, at any time — and when it does, the last thing you need is to be left wondering what to do or who to call. At Fife Dental Care, we make it a priority to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. Whether you've broken a tooth, you're in severe pain, or something just doesn't look or feel right, call our Rio Rancho office right away and we'll get you in.
Prompt care in a dental emergency isn't just about relieving pain — it can be the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. Don't wait to see if it gets better on its own. Call us first.
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How Do You Know if It's a Dental Emergency
Not every dental problem requires immediate emergency care, but some situations absolutely do. Call us right away if you are experiencing any of the following:
- A broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth: time is critical, especially for a tooth that has been completely knocked out
- Severe or unrelenting tooth pain that is not manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Significant swelling in the jaw, gums, or face — this can indicate infection that requires prompt attention
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth that does not stop with gentle pressure
- A lost crown or filling that is causing pain or leaving a tooth exposed and vulnerable
- Signs of abscess or infection: including a pimple-like bump on the gums, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth that won't go away
If pain and swelling can be managed with mild over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, you may need urgent — but not emergency — care. In these cases, call our office and we will get you in to see Dr. Fife as soon as possible, typically the next business day.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Knowing what to do in the moments before you reach our office can make a real difference. Here is what we recommend for the most common dental emergencies:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick the tooth up by the crown — never by the root. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing or removing any tissue. If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it there gently. If that's not possible, keep it moist by placing it in a glass of milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to our office immediately — a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
- Broken or Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on that side and call us right away. Save any broken pieces if you can find them.
- Severe Toothache: Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure there's nothing lodged between the teeth causing the pain. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can damage tissue. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed and call us immediately.
- Lost Crown or Filling: If a crown has come off, try to keep it safe and bring it with you to your appointment. In the meantime, dental cement available at most pharmacies can be used as a temporary measure to protect the exposed tooth. Call us as soon as possible to get it properly reattached or replaced.
- Abscess or Infection: Signs of a dental abscess include a persistent throbbing toothache, sensitivity to temperature, facial swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess is a serious infection that will not resolve on its own — it requires prompt professional treatment. Call us right away, and if swelling is severe or spreading, go to the emergency room.
If You Seek Care at an Emergency Room First
In some situations — particularly those involving significant facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling affecting your airway — the emergency room is the right first call. Emergency room physicians can address the immediate medical crisis, manage pain, and prescribe antibiotics if infection is present.
However, emergency rooms are not equipped to provide definitive dental treatment. Once you have been evaluated and released, please contact Fife Dental Care as soon as possible. Dr. Fife will want to follow up with you promptly to provide the dental treatment needed to ensure the best possible outcome for your long-term oral health.
We Are Here When You Need Us Most
Dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and often scary, especially if they happen to someone you love. At Fife Dental Care, we do everything we can to respond quickly, keep you comfortable, and give you the care you need without adding to the stress of the situation. Our team is calm, experienced, and genuinely committed to being there for our patients when it matters most.
If you're in pain or dealing with a dental emergency right now, don't wait.
Call us at 505.994.1700
Fife Dental Care is conveniently located in Rio Rancho, NM and welcomes patients from across the greater Albuquerque area, including Corrales, Bernalillo, Paradise Hills, and surrounding communities.