Prescott Dentist, Kevin Shuster's website

Dental Emergency

Establish (hopefully BEFORE the emergency) a relationship with a dentist WHO WILL ANSWER HIS PHONE. If you have an emergency, at the first sign of trouble, phone your dentist and set up an exam in person immediately! Accurate first hand diagnosis is essential, don't rely too heavily on "over the phone" or think that pills, are a substitute for accurate in person diagnosis and treatment. Get comprehensive diagnosis and treatment and solve your problems and lower your risk of systemic health degradation. Protect your health and get in to see your dentist. Dentistry in America is now begun with one of two procedures: the limited exam, a crises focused examination of one particular problem, or the full mouth exam which is preferable if your situation allows this. It is more cost effective and provides better context for thorough evaluation of contributing factors and so more predictable outcomes of treatment. If you are not in immediate agony, opt for the full mouth exam.

As a new or alternate strategy consider prevention, that is… after this episode of emergency is handled commit to health by getting on a regular schedule of professional cleanings, and getting things fixed as budget allows. Most "emergencies" are more accurately categorized as neglect (the bad news) But are preventable (the good news). Commit to good health and realize that about 85% of disease is preventable. We can work together to help you get healthy, and STAY healthy. It's more sensible, more comfortable, and less expensive. Besides you'll simply look better, feel better, and last longer.... by taking advantage of modern dental prevention and treatment planning. Why? well because it's less expensive to pursue treatment based on a plan of treatment that results from a thourough exam and YOUR list of things you'd like to get done, in an order that you decide.

Be well, be proactive... you'll simply live better

and the DONT'S

Don't rely on pills, instead of getting treatment by a dentist… all drugs have side effects and few situations can be solved by taking a pill. Don't share prescriptions of any kind, it's dangerous and illegal. Don't place aspirin tablet on the gums or teeth directly, it has no beneficial effect… and likely will cause burns to the gums. Similarly don't rely on mouth rinses. If you use one, pick one without alcohol in it (many reasons for this). I would recommend that you NOT use numbing agents on your gums… in my experience they aren't effective and they can cause some peoples heart to race.

In short: don't delay the in person exam appointment when you FIRST notice something that concerns you… the exam is not usually expensive and delay can truly be expensive.

If you need help, feel free to call us at 928-776-1993

If you suspect you have a dental medical emergency call Yavapai Regional Medical Center emergency room dial 911