Dentist Reviewing Dental X-Ray in Seattle

Emergency Info

Emergency Info

If you are a patient of record and you believe you have a dental emergency, please phone our office. If you need help outside of our regular business hours, follow the instructions on our voicemail to reach the dentist on call. If you have facial swelling, seek emergency care right away. Swelling that involves your neck or eye area, inhibits breathing or swallowing, or is accompanied by fever needs immediate attention- often in a hospital emergency room. Do not delay.

Here are quick tips for some common dental problems:

Tooth Ache

Begin by gently cleaning around the sore tooth, including removing food trapped between your teeth.  Swishing with warm salt water can be helpful if it is comfortable.  Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen is helpful for pain control: do NOT place aspirin or other pills directly on your tooth or gums.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas.  For bleeding control, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with gauze or clean cloth/napkin.  If the bleeding does not stop with pressure, or continues longer than 15 minutes, please seek emergency care.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area as you’re able and try not to swallow any tooth fragments!  If it is a broken front tooth, sometimes a piece can be rebonded – try to save it.  If you do not have pain or bleeding, the situation is less urgent.  Contact our office for an appointment.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Remain calm.  Then find the tooth.  Hold it by the crown (the visible part of the tooth that we see in our mouths), not the root, and lightly rinse to remove any dirt or debris on the tooth, but do not scrub it!  If it is a permanent tooth, try to reinsert it in the socket, despite any bleeding. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth preservation kit (such as Save-a-Tooth®). Time is very important – see a dentist right away.

Never reinsert a baby tooth into the mouth!

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to the nearest emergency room. 

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze, and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If the bleeding continues, please see a dentist. 

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If the sores persist, visit your dentist.