Emergency Dentistry – Burien, WA

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Whether you chipped a tooth, have a severe toothache, or knocked out one of your permanent teeth, the first step you should always take is call our dental office so we can fit you into our schedule. In many emergency cases, acting fast is crucial, which is why we'll do everything we can to make sure that we see you the same day. Below, we’ve provided some helpful tips and advice on how to handle common emergencies until you’re able to reach our office.

Toothaches

Try gently flossing around your tooth to see if a piece of lodged food debris is causing your pain. If your pain persists, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, or place a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to help ease your discomfort.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is of the essence, so quickly pick up your tooth, being sure to only handle it by the biting surface, and rinse it under cool water. If your mouth is bleeding, you can place a piece of sterile gauze to help it stop. Place the tooth in a sealable container filled with milk or saltwater to keep it viable, and bring it to your appointment. Ideally, you should see us within an hour of the accident.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

If you’re able to find the chipped-off portion of your tooth, bring it to your appointment to see if we can reattach it. If the damage has created a jagged edge that is irritating or scraping your oral tissues, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax over it.

Lost Filling/Crown

If you can find your restoration, pick it up, rinse it off, and temporarily secure it back on your tooth using a dab of denture adhesive or toothpaste. It’s important to remember that this is not a permanent solution, and you’ll still need to visit our office so we can repair or replace the restoration in order to prevent an infection from developing.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Although it’s impossible to completely prevent all dental emergencies, there are some precautionary steps you can take to minimize your risk of experiencing one. These include:

• Keeping up with your oral hygiene at home
• Visiting us every six months for checkups and cleanings
• Maintaining a nutritious diet
• Staying hydrated with water
• Avoiding chewing on items or foods that are sticky or hard
• Breaking bad habits like smoking and nail-biting

The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

After we’ve had a chance to examine your mouth and diagnose the underlying problem, we’ll discuss your treatment options and the cost with you. We file insurance claims on our patients’ behalf and will gladly answer any questions that you may have before we begin your emergency treatment. We always try to accommodate our patients, which is why we’re also happy to discuss payment plans with you.

Root Canal Therapy

A toothache is often a sign of  an infection that is hidden beneath the surface of a tooth. Without timely treatment, the damage could spread and affect surrounding teeth and even other areas of your body. With root canal therapy, we can save natural teeth and ease even the most painful toothaches. Many of our patients feel much better after receiving treatment, and the process is virtually pain-free.

Tooth Extractions

At Seahurst Park Dentistry, we understand that there’s no substitute for your natural teeth, which is why we always try our best to save them. However, in some cases, a severely damaged or decayed tooth may present a threat to the surrounding teeth. In these situations, we may suggest a tooth extraction. After your procedure, we can discuss tooth replacement solutions to restore the function and look of your complete smile.